Plans to close a further nine branches of RBS in Scotland have been met with "bitter disappointment" by a union.

Unite, the largest union representing RBS staff, said the taxpayer-owned bank was risking a "death of a thousand cuts" after it announced the closures.

The banking group has plans to close a further 86 branches across the UK on top of the 51 announced earlier this year.

All nine of the Scottish branches are in Edinburgh, with the following all set to close by mid-2017: Blenheim Place; Gilmerton; Juniper Green; Comiston; Davidson Mains; Portobello; University; Castle Street, and Chesser.

Unite said the planned closures would affect 116 staff and could put around 45 jobs at risk.

Regional officer Lyn Turner said: "It is a bitter disappointment that RBS is continuing its slash and burn approach to community branches.

"This is obviously further bad news for RBS staff - all of whom are now living with the daily fear that their job might be next - but it's also bad news for customers.

"RBS isn't being upfront and honest about the changes it wants to make - but spreading them out in way that risks a death by a thousand cuts."

He added: "Our fear is that management are gambling with the future of the bank.

"If RBS continues to turn its back on customers and communities, then customers and communities may end up turning their back on them.

"We literally all have a stake in RBS and the bank's actions should be a huge concern for all of us."

The union is now calling for Scottish Government intervention to tackle job losses in the banking sector and to make sure communities have access to local banking.

RBS said the nine branches had all had a significant decline in transactions as customers turn to online and phone banking.

A spokesman said: "We are communicating with our customers affected by this decision and proactively contacting vulnerable and regular branch customers.

"We have listened closely to feedback from local communities and have extended the time between announcing our decision and the branch closure to six months.

"We know that not all of our customers are comfortable and familiar with using online or mobile banking so we have created a new specialist task force of digital experts who will be dedicated to supporting our customers with training and support with digital skills."

He added: "We are following the Access to Banking protocol and we have made the decision after careful consideration of a wide range of factors, including regular branch usage and the alternative ways our customers can bank with us."

Earlier this week, the bank was told it will have to raise around £2bn to boost its financial strength after failing the Bank of England's annual health check of the sector.

The lender, which is 73% owned by the taxpayer, emerged as the worst performer in the stress test.