THE Royal Bank of Scotland's only Barrhead branch will close in August.

A drop of 17 per cent in the number of customers using the branch since 2011 has influenced the "difficult" decision.

Doors are set to close for the final time on August 15, 2016.

It is one of several branches that are set to close across Scotland, including nearby Netherlee.

A spokesman for the bank said: "We’re closing this branch because the number of transactions at the branch has reduced by 17 per cent since 2011.  

"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. 

"Our customers are increasingly using alternative ways to bank such as online and mobile banking.

"As a result, branch transactions have declined by around 46 per cent since 2010 whilst online and mobile transactions have grown by more than 400 per cent.

"Only 9 per cent of their total transactions are now undertaken in branches in comparison to 25 per cent in 2010.

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

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

The bank claims that its customers will still be well catered for.

It says there are 14 free to use ATMs within one mile of the branch, while the next nearest branch is Paisley Chief Office - 4.1 miles away.

However it has reached an agreement with the Post Office on Cross Arthurlie Street that allows customers can pay money in, take money out, check balances and business customers can get coinage.