BANK of Scotland bosses are being urged to get round the table to discuss the future of the building housing Dunbar’s last bank.

The banking giant announced last summer that an “in-depth review” had been conducted and the Dunbar branch would close its doors – despite being the last bank in the town.

It will shut for the final time on Tuesday, leaving customers with a journey to either Haddington or North Berwick for their nearest branch.

It is unclear what the future holds for the High Street building but Sustaining Dunbar is keen to speak to representatives of the bank with a view to purchasing it and creating a community hub.

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Philip Revell, from the group, which aims to support new initiatives which create local jobs, help people cut their fuel bills and grow more food, said: “We are trying to enter dialogue with the bank to negotiate a sale to the community.

“So far, we have not had much engagement from the bank.

“They seem to be keen to market it on the open market, which creates problems for us because there is a risk when we spend a lot of time and effort developing plans, trying to raise funds to purchase it, and it gets sold before we can secure the funding. That has happened in the past when we tried to acquire buildings as a community asset.”

If Sustaining Dunbar’s plans gain traction, it hopes that the building, opposite the junction of West Port, will become a community hub, and a co-working and enterprise centre.

The community group has conducted a survey to discover if there was interest in the idea.

Mr Revell said: “We are aware there is a significant demand for hot desking and co-working facilities.

“These days, people are working remotely for part of the week at least and often feel socially isolated.

“Part of our hope is that this would bring more people to the High Street, which is struggling at the moment.

“So this would make more people aware of what the High Street has to offer.”

READ MORE: Bank of Scotland confirms plans to close branch

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of Dunbar Community Council, was disappointed the bank was set to close but stressed the group was keen for the building not to remain empty.

She said: “I think it is a marvellous idea.

“The need for co-working space has been identified for a very long time.

“Sustaining Dunbar tried to find a home for that project and if they are able to make it work in the Bank of Scotland that seems ideal.

“We get a win-win.”

A spokesperson for Bank of Scotland said: “As many customers now choose to bank through their mobile app or online, visits to our Dunbar branch have fallen over recent years.

“The local Post Office offers everyday banking, with cash also available at close by, free-to-use ATMs.

“Customers can also manage their money through our mobile banking apps, online, by calling us or speaking to a community banker.”