Bank of Scotland - part of the Hbos banking group - has opened its largest UK branch in Argyle Street, central Glasgow.
At 8000 square feet and covering three floors, the super-branch includes 12 counters, 20 customer meeting rooms and eight ATMs and will serve 1000 customers each day. It is believed to be one of the largest bank branches in the UK.
The bank has closed two other branches in the city centre but says the new facility will employ about 90 people - more than the two old branches combined.
The new branch will follow the opening hours of neighbouring retail chains, opening from 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 5pm on a Saturday. This is a total of 55.5 hours compared to the 43.5 hours of most of its branches.
Scott McDonald, branch manager at Argyle Street, says: "Glasgow city centre is of huge importance to Bank of Scotland. The opening of this flagship branch firmly underlines our ambition in the area."
The bank is set to open a new flagship branch in Edinburgh city centre in early 2008.
HBOS said last year that it was opening 100 new Halifax branches over the course of the next five years in a move that will create 1500 new jobs.