BOSSES at the Royal Bank of Scotland have announced that they plan to close two Borders branches later this year.

Banks in Earlston and Ayton will close towards the end of October.

A statement from RBS today (Wednesday) said that it was planned to keep the ATM in Earlston.

And they have also done a deal with the local Post Office for depositing and withdrawing funds from accounts.

Business customers of RBS in the village will also be able to get coinage from the Post Office.

A spokeswoman for RBS told us: "The number of transactions taking place at Earlston branch has dropped by 20 per cent since 2011 and only 53 customers use the branch on a regular weekly basis. "30 of these customers already use other branches in the area.

"We are committed to following the UK Government protocol on branch closures, and we have made the decision following careful consideration of a wide range of factors including branch usage and the alternative ways our customers can bank with us locally."

A mobile branch service is being introduced with days for visits to both Earlston and Ayton still to be set.

The spokeswoman added: "We are writing to all of our customers who use the branches, as well as displaying posters in branch to let them know of the closure.

"Between now and the closure date, we will engage with all of our customers, local businesses and the wider local community to make sure they are aware of the alternative ways of accessing their banking with us in the local area, and to answer any questions they might have."

It is planned for the Ayton branch to close on October 22 and for the Earlston branch to close the following week on October 28.