ATM network provider LINK is to install a machine the Highland village and announced that any communities lacking a cash machine can apply for one to be put in by the cash machine network.

As the last ATM in the village was removed last summer, residents in Durness were left to choose between a 53-mile drive to Lochinver or a 71-mile trek to Thurso, to access a free ATM machine. A cash machine inside the local Post Office is only open during shop hours.

Following the removal of banks from rural locations, several communities have lost access to free cash machines. The banks advocated for the removal of the ATM’s by arguing that due to low usage, they were not viable.

Durness is one of five UK communities which are to receive a new cash machine. However, all other communities without access can apply to have one installed. The costs of installation will also be paid for with funding from all the UK’s main banks and building societies.

John Howells, chief executive of LINK, said: “LINK is determined to defend free access to cash across the UK in the face of very rapidly declining cash use. LINK will take further steps to ensure that the free ATM footprint is safe in Scotland and extend its commitment to cover every high street. We also want to support communities with specific access to cash needs such as the town of Durness in the north-west Highlands of Scotland, where locals have to drive for an hour to get to their nearest free machine. LINK will organise a new free ATM for Durness as part of a national trial to see how to best provide free access to cash.”

LINK published data earlier this year which revealed that Scotland’s cash machine usage had fallen dramatically by 5.4 per cent in the first four months of 2019 compared with the same period last year.

Gareth Shaw, head of money at Which?, said: “This long-overdue action on cash machines is hugely welcome – but these measures on their own are unlikely to be enough to stem the tide of ATM closures that has left communities across the UK struggling to access cash. The government’s new access to cash strategy group must urgently explore all options – including legislation – to ensure a robust system is in place to preserve free access to cash for as long as people need it.”

An Access to Cash Review, chaired by Natalie Ceeney, reported to the UK government in March this year. The review concluded that around eight million adults, a total of 17% of the population, would struggle to cope in a cashless society.

And today, a report published by the UK Parliament’s Scottish Affairs Committee called on the UK government to introduce new legislation to stop banks abandoning Scottish towns.