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Bank of Scotland future
22/09/2008
A special meeting of the Scottish Council Development and Industry (SCDI) was held today to consider the implications of the proposed merger of Halifax Bank of Scotland by Lloyds TSB.
It was hosted jointly by First Minister Alex Salmond and SCDI Chief Executive Lesley Sawers.
Senior figures from Scottish business, union representatives, academics, representatives from civic life and the leaders and finance spokespeople of opposition political parties took part in the meeting.
Mr Salmond said:
"The loss of our oldest institution and independent bank is a serious matter that touches every corner of business and fabric of the country.
"In every sense, you can say the Bank of Scotland, HBOS, is hardwired to Scottish society and therefore there is understandable concern with the proposed merger, takeover.
"The key decisions have not yet been taken. Therefore, we have a full opportunity to represent a Scottish view, a united Scottish view, in terms of seeking to defend jobs and decision-making and headquarters functions.
"We are seeking to get the best possible deal for Scotland from whatever outcome there might be.
"Everybody at this meeting knows how serious the situation is. But there is a joint determination to get the best possible outcome given the situation we are in and we are resolved and determined to do that."