THE Bank of Scotland’s bid to fully check out of a Borders village has been rubber-stamped.

A planning application has been agreed by Scottish Borders Council for removal of the external signage and branding at the former Douglas Square branch in Newcastleton. 

Bank of Scotland announced earlier this year that its branches in Duns, Jedburgh, Newcastleton and Eyemouth were to close between October of this year and February 2024.

The application sought to “remove everything from the building that is not fixed”.

In his report approving the application for a Certificate of Lawfulness, Stuart Small, council planner, says: “The Bank of Scotland was decommissioned on November 11, 2023.

“Externally, the works include the removal of signage and branding from the building and make good the holes to suit the existing finish.

“Initially the nightsafe was to be removed from the ground floor window on the north elevation but the agent has confirmed that this will remain in situ.

“Internally, the works include the removal of everything from the building that is not fixed to leave the premises empty ready for the sale of the building.”