Six branches of a major high-street bank will close across Ayrshire with workers set to lose their jobs, including in Cumnock.

TSB announced this morning plans to halve the number of branches in Scotland, with around 300 staff facing losing their livelihoods.

Cumnock, Kilbirnie, Largs, Saltcoats, Girvan and Prestwick will all lose their local bank in the next year.

The Edinburgh-based bank has earmarked 73 branches for closure in Scotland next year following a 'significant change in customer behaviour'.

TSB said branches have been selected to ensure 94 per cent of customers in Scotland are still within 20 minutes of one that will remain open.

Brian Sloan, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, said: “We’re appalled by this latest round of closures, which will undoubtedly hit older and vulnerable customers hardest. The disappearance of almost half TSB’s Scottish branches will inevitably lead to banking deserts and make it harder for customers to manage their money.

“Those who rely on branches most tend to be older, disadvantaged, or on low incomes, and may not find it easy to travel to the next town to do their banking. 

 “The relentless push towards online or telephone banking may be convenient for many, but it doesn’t suit everyone. Almost half a million people over 60 don’t use the internet, with the highest numbers in the most deprived areas. By turning its back on them, TSB clearly seems to be putting its profits before its customers."

Last year, TSB slashed the opening hours of many branches across Ayrshire.

Robin Bulloch, customer banking director at TSB, said: “These decisions are the most difficult we take, but we must always be guided by our customers - and we are clearly witnessing a substantial shift towards digital banking.

“We operate a more extensive branch network than most other banks in Scotland, including some much larger than TSB, and we need to reduce its size to reflect the changing needs of our customers and a fast-evolving operational environment. 

“TSB remains committed to offering high quality banking services in branches across Scotland. We are also introducing mobile advisers to ensure we look after vulnerable customers and those in rural locations.

“We are working to ensure the transition towards digital – which is being seen right across the economy – is handled sensitively and pragmatically for our colleagues and customers.”