South Scotland MSP Emma Harper has written to the Chief Executive of TSB to ask them to reconsider their decision to close the Savings Bank Museum in Ruthwell, and instead to keep the vital asset open for local people and visitors.
She also held a meeting with TSB and with the Clarencefield and Ruthwell Community Council where she acknowledged positive discussions were held.
Last week, TSB announced their intention to close the visitor attraction and move the collection, with the exception of some local newspaper clips, to its head office in Edinburgh but TSB have now said that decisions will be made on the future of the Museum through including stakeholders.
Ms Harper has raised the closure of the Savings Bank with the Scottish Government, Dumfries and Galloway Council and through a cross party motion to the Scottish Parliament. She has also been in dialogue with the Ruthwell Community Council, as well as prominent campaigners and supporters of the Savings Bank Museum including Dame Barbara Kelly, Reverend Gerald Moule and Cultural Connections Chair, David Dewar.
In 1810, Dr. Henry Duncan – also the local Parish Minister – opened the world’s first savings bank, in Ruthwell, based on business principles, paying interest on its investors’ modest savings.
Commenting, Ms Harper said:
“I acknowledge that positive discussions were held this morning between myself, TSB and the Clarencefield and Ruthwell Community Council and that TSB have now stated that no further action will be taken without discussions with stakeholders. I welcome this, but remain clear that I support the communities calls for the Savings Bank Museum to remain open as a valuable historical asset with pride of place here in Dumfries and Galloway.
“The original Ruthwell Parish Bank is now the home of the Savings Banks Museum which, I understand, TSB acquired in 1950 for the cost of £1. The eighteenth century building houses a valuable collection of early home savings boxes, coins and bank notes from many parts of the world and there are books on the worldwide spread of savings banks and its modest but important archives include documents and letters on the history of savings banks. The Museum, and former bank, is steeped in history and has been a treasured part of the community since the 18th century.
“I have raised a motion to the Scottish Parliament calling on TSB to reverse the decision to close the Savings Bank Museum which I hope will gain cross party support. I welcome the positive engagement and discussions I have held with TSB, with the Ruthwell and Clarenceield Community Council, as well as prominent local campaigners such as Dame Barbara Kelly and Reverend Mule, so we can keep this valuable treasure in our region and so we can work to boost its marketing and advertising.”
Dame Barbara Kelly, a prominent community leader and campaigner, added:
“I want to thank Emma and others, including Reverend Moule and the Ruthwell and Clarencefield community council, for the swift action they have taken following the disappointing announcement from TSB last night.
“TSB’s suggestion of moving this bank is wholly unacceptable, given its national and international significance. It will take away a vital asset from our region and from the Ruthwell Heritage Trail.
“I urge TSB to reverse this decision and I will continue to press for this with all involved.”
