(Updated below) Jim Mather, Argylls MSP and Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism – all of which are very much features of Islay’s economy – has a multiple interest in this issue.
Well aware of the impact on the island’s business life of the withdrawal of the necessary banking services there by both RBS and HBOS, he and the Scottish Government are taking action.
They are talking to the Bank and to the Financial Services Advisory Board and are keeping Highlands & Islands Enterprise in the loop.
Mr Mather is also running a session with the banks next week.
Update 14.00 17th November: Jim Mather has asked his office to forwarding to the Bank For Argyll’s call for the retention of Islay’s Business manager for the time being.
We haven’t heard a word or from Jim Mather despite raising this matter with him severeal weeks ago. Basically his emailed reply says that he couldn’t be bothered to send us details of what he was doing about it because he was too busy. Alan Reid and Jamie McGrigor found the time to send us copies of correspondence they had had with the Bank. Hmm. We have had no correspondence from the Scottish Government either!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Obviously you haven’t read the article above and your remark is an insult.
I suppose you imagine Jim Mather is meeting them next week to discuss the weather.
Alan Reid and Jamie McGrigor have of course lots of free time to write lots of letters.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
From the letters above, I think tensions are running very high on the Island regarding this matter. There is also a fair amount of frustration that
a) The bank’s bosses (Mr Kerr in particular) do not seem to be bothered and also the lack of respect for the present loyal customers of Bank of Scotland.
b) The least they deserve is an honest reply to their complaints letters, and not to be fobbed off with blatant lies regarding a survey which did not involve the Island’s customers.
c) With regards to Jim, the proof will be in the pudding after his meeting with the Bank. He is the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism. All three of his remits are involved and will be affected by the pullout decision by the Bank.
Being our MSP and given the level of concern raised by Islay’s business customers, I believe
he should by now understand the severity of the decision by the Bank’s Business Managers and the consequences we will face if this goes ahead.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Mr Hathaway’s unpleasant remarks suggests that he holds some sort of official position on the island. What is it?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0