The Western Bank of Scotland was established in Kirkintilloch for many years under the late Mr. Charles Stewart. At Mr. Stewart's death he was succeeded by the late Mr. Thomas Whitelaw; and when the Western Bank collapsed in 1857 the branch was taken up by the National Bank of Scotland—Mr. Whitelaw being agent till his death, Mr. Thorburn succeeding him. Mr. James Russell, now of Airdrie, was the next agent, from 1867 till 1872. When leaving Mr. Russell was entertained to dinner by about 100 friends in Kirkintilloch and from other towns. After opening the branches in Coatbridge and Motherwell, Mr. Russell is now located in Airdrie, where he is an honorary sheriff-substitute and J.P. for Lanarkshire. Mr. Richard Reid succeeded Mr. Russell.

The City of Glasgow Bank commenced under the agency of the late Mr. John Shearer, auctioneer; and at his death it was continued by Mr. Robert Murdoch, now of Dundee. Mr. Murdoch, being promoted, was succeeded by Mr. James Stables, till the City Bank, in its turn, succumbed, when Mr. Stables was appointed joint-agent of the National Bank along with Mr. Reid; and when the latter went abroad Mr. Stables remained — then and since — sole agent.

The Commercial Bank of Scotland was established 2nd April, 1877, under Mr. James Main. The bank was commenced in the property belonging to Dr. Stewart, but on the collapse of the City Bank the Commercial Bank bought the premises, and removed their branch there, where it has since been carried on by Mr. Main.

The Savings Bank has been established for many years. James Dalrymple, Esq., of Woodhead, has been chairman for forty years, and during that long period was present at every annual meeting till the present year, when he was disabled by illness, to the great regret of the whole community. Mr. James Stables is the treasurer. The amount at credit of depositors is .£14,748 7s. 1d.