TSB U-TURN ON RUTHWELL SAVINGS BANK MUSEUM CLOSURE

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TSB has made a u-turn on its decision to close the Dumfries Savings Bank Museum after MSP for the area, Emma Harper, along with cross-party colleagues, intervened and suggested the bank be handed over to a community organisation.

The South Scotland MSP, who physically met with the Ruthwell and Clarencefield Community Council following the announcement from TSB and who raised a motion to the Scottish Parliament calling on TSB to reverse this decision, has welcomed this news ahead of a meeting with elected members and community stakeholders tomorrow (11/06/21).

Ms Harper has also said that it is absolutely right that the Sir Henry Duncan Savings Bank, and its collection of historical significance, stay open for residents and visitors to Dumfries and Galloway.

Commenting, Ms Harper said:

“I welcome that TSB have decided to explore community ownership of the Ruthwell Savings Bank Museum in Dumfries & Galloway. The Sir Henry Duncan Savings Bank is of historical significance to Dumfries and Galloway and puts the region on the global map as the home of the worldwide savings bank movement.

“This decision from TSB to pursue ways of keeping the museum open is the right one and I look forward to meeting with TSB, other elected members and community stakeholders tomorrow to discuss the practicalities of a community asset transfer. I will continue to positively work with all involved to ensure the museum stays open and to ensure the collection, rightfully, remains in Dumfries and Galloway.”