Bring back real bank managers

The new scheme to boost bank lending to businesses is to be welcomed, particularly given that the number of hotels and B&Bs for sale in Scotland is at a high due to the difficulty buyers are finding in getting finance. No-one, Calton least of all, wants to see a return to the days when banks threw money at borrowers regardless of whether or not they could repay the loans, however we are now in a situation where older hotel owners looking to sell up and retire are unable to do so because they can't find a buyer. And these are viable businesses, not turkeys. The popularity of staycations has boosted the Scottish tourism industry and figures released by accountancy firm PKF this week suggest a rise in occupancy and revenues for Scottish hotels in May. What we really need is a return to the days where you sat down and discussed a loan with a bank manager who knew you and knew the business you were looking to buy, not some faceless number-cruncher on the end of an 0845 phone line (if you're lucky).