The vehicles, which represent an investment by the bank of around ?200,000, replace two vehicles that are now almost 20 years old. They form part of a fleet of seven mobile banks that BoS operates around Scotland, of which a further four will be replaced this year and next.



One of the new Vauxhall Movanos is based at Lerwick and will serve around 300 customers each week in communities throughout the length and breadth of the Shetland Isles. The second operates out of Perth visiting locations in some of the most beautiful, though inaccessible, parts of the Highlands.

Susan Rice, Managing Director of Lloyds Banking Group Scotland, said: ?These mobile branches provide an invaluable service to our customers in remote and rural areas across Scotland. This investment acknowledges the importance of these communities to us. We're delighted to support our customers in Shetland and Perthshire.?

Specialist bodybuilder S MacNeillie and Son of Walsall built the bodies to a very exacting specification on the Movano 3500 medium wheelbase chassis-cab. The use of a lightweight composite material with excellent impact resistance kept the overall weight of the vehicle to within 3.5 tonnes enabling it to be driven by the holder of an ordinary car driving license.

MacNeillies also added an air deflector to the cab roof. This both reduces air resistance, with potential fuel saving benefits, and results in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Features include air conditioning in the cashier's area and heating throughout the vehicle, including in the customer waiting area, which has seating for up to six. Well-placed grab handles and an electrically-operated ramp to enable people of all levels of mobility to use the bank easily and safely.

Auxiliary electrical systems give the vehicle optimum battery capacity. An onboard charger enables power to be taken from a domestic mains source to charge the batteries, which are also continuously charged from the vehicle's alternator when the engine is running. Should the main battery become discharged there is an emergency start system to join both main and auxiliary batteries together to enable the vehicle to be started.

As the mobile banks provide a full cash service they bristle with security features. A full CCTV system is installed, trackers are fitted to plot their movement, there are audible alarms, and the cashier area has extra ballistic protection.

The Movano on which the banks are based provide a comfortable environment and car-like driving characteristics for staff as they move between locations. Standard features include an 8-way adjustable driver's seat with armrest, height adjustable head restraints, and a CD player and stereo radio. ABS along with EBA (emergency brake assist) provide an added margin of safety when braking.

Bank of Scotland has opted for the highest of the three power outputs at which Movano is offered. The 2.5 litre CDTi engine delivers 146 PS enabling the Movanos to cope comfortably with the steepest hills. A high torque output of 320 Nm will help the vehicle to move off easily in all road surface conditions. A six speed gearbox provides a good spread of ratios and the fascia mounted gear lever provides a smooth car-like change.