BIGGAR'S RBS branch is to remain open, it has been announced today.

An independent review has been carried out by chartered accountants Johnston Carmichael over the past few months, to determine whether or not the branch should close.

And today (Friday) it has been revealed that the Royal Bank of Scotland will keep its base in the the High Street.

Ten branches were reviewed across Scotland – and of those, only Biggar and Barra have survived.

Simon Watson, from RBS, added: "We would like to thank Johnston Carmichael for their review of 10 Royal Bank branches in Scotland that were due to close.

"These branches were selected because, unlike the other branches that were closed, they were nearly all the last bank in town and more than nine miles to the nearest alternative Royal Bank branch. We accept Johnston Carmichael’s recommendations in full.

"Johnston Carmichael has judged that there are exceptional circumstances in Biggar and Barra and has recommended that these branches remain open – so they will. We also note the further recommendations for enhancements that can be made in six of the branch locations and can confirm we will be accepting these recommendations in full.

"With today’s report, we are able to say for the first time with certainty that there will be no further reviews of our branch network in the immediate future – until at least 2020."