TSB’s decision to close four branches and reduce opening hours at around 70 more in Scotland has been criticised by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

The bank confirmed branches in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Keith would be closed while dozens of counters around the country would see opening times slashed.

Andrew McRae, FSB’s Scotland policy chair, said: “This looks like TSB is reducing opening hours in branches up and down Scotland before closing their doors for good.

“In scores of communities these changes will reduce local footfall, hurting the vibrancy of many of our high streets. It will make it more difficult to run a business, especially if you operate in our cash-dependent retail and hospitality industries.

“UK ministers must stop sitting on their hands when it comes to bank branch closures and uncertainty over our ATM network. We need to see policymakers look at the impact of these sorts of closures on the economic health of local communities.”

TSB said it was carrying out reviews of the potential impacts on communities.

It said: “We are taking great care to ensure our customers know what their options are and helping them with the change, including providing details on alternative banking options and offering special ‘get me started on digital’ meetings to help people get comfortable with new technology and any concerns they may have.”