The two Scottish branches set to close are in Perth on 26 July, and in Inverness on 27 September.

The bank has described the plans to close the branches as a “transformation of its branch network” with plans to offer a “broader range of local support, beyond the traditional bank branch.”

The plans include community pop-ups, new integrated self-service machines, colleague-assisted digital support for customers, as well as continued use of the Post Office network.

HSBC said the closures will allow the bank to continue to invest in its digital and mobile servicing and reinvest in its branch network in key locations.

The bank has stressed that the 400 employees affected will be redistributed across its banking network and be offered different roles.

Jackie Uhi, head of HSBC UK’s branch network, said: “The way people bank is changing - something the pandemic has accelerated. Our branches continue to support people with their more complex banking needs, but the way we can do this has also evolved, with the addition of banking hubs, community pop-ups and continued use of the Post Office network.

“Rather than a one-size-fits-all branch approach, it’s an approach built around the way different customers are choosing to bank in different areas.

“We know that the majority of our customers have a preference to do much of their day-to-day banking online or via mobile, so we’re removing locations where we have another branch nearby, and where there is a significant reduction in customers using face-to-face branch servicing. This will enable us to invest in locations where our customers are continuing to utilise the branch network, including updating technology and refurbishing branches.”