A Kilwinning-based credit union have announced they will be expanding their service as well as rebranding as a community bank as they aim to raise awareness of the services they offer.

First Alliance Ayrshire Credit Union will now reach beyond just Ayrshire as the expansion will allow them to reach potential customers throughout the whole of the west of Scotland.

Taking place on Tuesday, August 16, the rebrand will also see their name change to First Alliance Community Bank as they hope to help more people understand the function of credit unions and change the perception around them.

Bank manager Carol McHarg said: “Local banks aren’t just for people who receive benefits – our loans go up to £15,000 and from our inception we’ve given out around £15 million in loans to the local community.

“By saying we’re a community bank, more people might be interested to come along and join and access our services which are especially important during the cost-of-living crisis and after the pandemic.

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“People can access finance at affordable rates with someone who can work with them to build credit.

“Having a community bank is crucial and we can do all the stuff that larger banks do today as we have debit cards and faster payments.”

Operating from 147 Main Street, the bank is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (except on Wednesdays during which the bank is open from 9am to 4pm) and has an online service that customers can use anytime.

As well as offering loans and debit accounts, the bank also allows both adults and children to open to savings accounts.

More details about the services they can offer are available on their website: www.allianceayrshire.co.uk.