On Friday 16 December a small group of concerned elected politicians and local community council chairmen met to discuss the threatened closure of the Juniper Green Branch of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).  The group had received unsatisfactory answers to their questions from officials at RBS so would seek further clarification of issues raised by many residents in the valley communities of Balerno, Colinton, Currie and Juniper Green.  The prospect of no banking in these communities would affect the elderly, vulnerable, community, business groups and those sceptical that online banking is either secure or practical for their needs.  The mantra from RBS is … go to the local POs, visit our branch in Corstorphine, use our ATM at Hunter’s Tryst or be educated by our team of online experts.
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The group, now comprising Vic Stewart, Gordon MacDonald MSP, Allister McKillop, Gordon Lindhurst MSP, Councillor Ricky Henderson, Richard Henderson, Joanna Cherry MP and Cliff Beevers, will adopt a twin track approach.  Firstly, they will probe more thoroughly the RBS decision to close the only remaining banking facility in the upper valley communities of the Water of Leith.  Secondly, feelers will be put out to investigate alternative solutions for financial services in our communities.  In addition, we will be appealing to our business community to discover what the loss of face to face banking means for them.  The group plans to meet again in the early New Year.  In the meantime, we would appreciate any ideas, suggestions or courses of action you wish to put forward by contacting [email protected], but don’t be discouraged and have a good Christmas.

Cliff Beevers, on behalf of the working group.

Balerno had its first ever switch-on of Christmas Lights in Main Street on Thursday 8th December. In perfect weather with a clearing sky and in moonlight, the lights on four trees in Market Square on Main Street burst into light after a count down led by Deal Park Primary School Head Boy and Head Girl, Robert Barks and Zoe Ward, after the school choir had entertained the crowd of well over two hundred to Carols and Christmas songs.    ​

Christmas Lights Switch-on - 6:45pm Thursday 8th December

We're delighted to announce that through the outstanding generosity of the community at large it has been possible to install Christmas Lights on four trees in Main Street, and these will be switched on at 6.45pm on Thursday 8th December by the Head Boy and Head Girl from both Balerno High School and Dean Park Primary School.

Almost £3000 was raised in little over two months through the generosity of local groups, organisations and businesses, and through a Crowd Funding initiative co-ordinated by Balerno Village Trust which was supported by nearly 50 donors who raised a magnificent £1100 to which some £180 was added by Gift Aid.

At the December meeting of the BCC, the council was made aware of plans by Royal Bank of Scotland to close both their Juniper Green and Chesser branches. This understandably raised some concern - particularly due to the recent closures of banks in Balerno and Currie - and the Chair followed this matter up with local councillors and Joanna Cherry QC MP.

Below is a copy of the letter that ​Joanna Cherry QC MP has since sent to Ross McEwan, CEO of RBS.
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