Access to Banking in Cupar

When I applied for a banking hub in Cupar, LINK – the organisation responsible for assessing access to cash – told us that a hub wasn’t needed because the nearest bank branch is only 20 minutes away by public transport. That nearest branch is the Royal Bank of Scotland in St Andrews.

On paper, that might sound reasonable. In practice, I wanted to see what it actually looks like for people who are expected to make that journey just to access basic banking services.

So I got on the bus.

I travelled from Cupar to St Andrews on the X24, timing the journey from boarding the bus to arriving outside the bank. The total travel time was 25 and a half minutes – and that included a walk from the bus stop, something that doesn’t appear to be factored into LINK’s assessment at all. The bus was also eight minutes late, which reflects the reality many passengers face due to roadworks and delays. These are issues I’ve already raised with Stagecoach, but they clearly have knock-on effects for access to services.

Then there’s the cost. A single fare to St Andrews was £6.30.

As a full-paying passenger, that made me stop and think. If accessing your bank requires a round trip that costs over £12, what does that mean for people on low incomes, older residents, or those who need to make regular trips? Is it really reasonable to expect people to pay out of their own pocket, and spend close to an hour travelling, just to do their banking?

This is why I continue to challenge how access to banking is assessed. Decisions are being made on theoretical journey times, not on lived experience. They don’t fully take account of delays, walking distances, affordability, accessibility needs, or the cumulative impact on people who already face barriers to services.

Cupar is a busy market town with a strong local economy, businesses that rely on cash, and residents who deserve fair access to banking services. Losing local branches without a proper alternative places additional strain on individuals and communities.

I will continue to press LINK, banks, and the UK Government to look again at how these decisions are made, and to recognise that access to cash is not just about distance on a map, but about time, cost and dignity.

When I next meet with the Bank of Scotland to discuss the closure of its St Andrews branch, these are exactly the questions I’ll be raising.

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