Direct Perth–Stirling journeys to be interrupted from late August
Stagecoach has announced timetable changes that will affect direct bus travel between Perth and Stirling, with consequences for local commuters and occasional travellers. The operator will withdraw the X56 service between Perth and Edinburgh and alter the 15/15A services so that passengers travelling between Perth and Stirling will be required to change buses at Crieff.
The updated schedule is due to come into force on Monday 24 August. Stagecoach said the moves were prompted by a “sustained decline in customer demand and ongoing sustainability challenges” and described the revisions as intended to better reflect changing travel patterns.
What is changing and what remains available
- X56 (Perth–Edinburgh): will be withdrawn.
- 15 / 15A (Perth–Stirling links): will be revised so passengers travelling between Perth and Stirling must change at Crieff.
- New or revised journeys will be introduced on services 3, 4 and X51, and improved connections are planned on X58.
- Coach services run by Scottish Citylink will continue to operate between Perth and Edinburgh.
Stagecoach also highlighted alternatives for some sections of the network. Travellers used to the X56 for journeys to or from Bridge of Earn can continue to use services 17, 55, 56 and 65, while those travelling to or from Milnathort are advised they can continue to use services 55 and 56.
“We are committed to maintaining a bus network that is reliable, sustainable and responsive to the needs of our communities. These changes will allow us to concentrate investment and resources where they can deliver the greatest benefit for customers, while continuing to provide strong links to key destinations across Perthshire,” said Fiona Doherty, Managing Director of Stagecoach South Scotland.
Local consequences and what to watch for
For Stirling residents who travel occasionally to Perth or beyond, the loss of direct journeys may add time and inconvenience. Requiring a change at Crieff could increase journey times and complicate trips with luggage or tight connections. Regular users should check revised timetables in advance of the 24 August changeover and consider alternative services where possible.
Stagecoach framed the alterations as part of a wider effort to make the network “stronger and more resilient”, concentrating resources where demand is higher. The company also said some route alterations inside Perth are intended to support more reliable operation and to address local road and access restrictions.
| Affected service | Change | Alternatives mentioned |
|---|---|---|
| X56 | Withdrawn (Perth–Edinburgh) | Scottish Citylink coaches; local services 17, 55, 56, 65 for some sections |
| 15 / 15A | Revised — Perth–Stirling passengers to change at Crieff | Services 55, 56 for Milnathort; check revised 3, 4, X51, X58 links |
Council transport officers and community travel groups in Stirling and surrounding areas will likely monitor the changes to assess any knock-on effects on commuter flows and school or shift patterns. For now, anyone whose journey depends on the affected services should inspect Stagecoach's published timetables and plan for connections from late August.
