Stopgap service reinstates local bus connections
A temporary shuttle bus is being brought in to reconnect Coalsnaughton with the wider Wee County network after the closure of The Glen severed regular public transport links. The service, confirmed by Clackmannanshire Council and operated by Wee County Bus, will begin on Monday 20 July and is expected to run for around four to six weeks while the situation is monitored.
The move follows appeals from residents worried about access to essential services and onward connections. Local MP Brian Leishman said a number of constituents had contacted him after The Glen — a key road running near the streets affected by recent subsidence — was shut, cutting a well-used route to Fishcross and the bus network beyond.
“After making representations on behalf of my constituents, I am pleased to have received confirmation from Clackmannanshire Council that a shuttle bus service, operated by Wee County Bus, is being put in place on an experimental basis to connect with the McGill's 52 service at Fishcross. Potentially subject to short-notice changes, the shuttle service will operate each weekday at 9:25am to Fishcross, 11:25am to Fishcross, 11:45am to Coalsnaughton, and 3:20pm to Coalsnaughton. A 3:30pm service to Fishcross will also be available but passengers will need to make their own arrangements for transport back to Coalsnaughton.”
How and where to catch the shuttle
For those heading out of the village, the bus will pick up at The Burns Club in Coalsnaughton. Returning passengers should board at Fishcross Primary School. The shuttle is designed to link with the McGill’s 52 service in Fishcross, restoring a connection to the local public transport network while the road closure remains in place.
Officials have cautioned that, because this is an experimental arrangement put in at short notice in response to the disruption, the timetable may be adjusted as needed. Travellers are advised to allow extra time for connections and to check for updates before setting off.
Weekday timetable and fares
The weekday running times and single fares confirmed for the shuttle are as follows:
| Journey | Departure | Boarding point |
|---|---|---|
| To Fishcross | 09:25 | The Burns Club, Coalsnaughton |
| To Fishcross | 11:25 | The Burns Club, Coalsnaughton |
| To Coalsnaughton | 11:45 | Fishcross Primary School |
| To Coalsnaughton | 15:20 | Fishcross Primary School |
| To Fishcross | 15:30 | The Burns Club, Coalsnaughton |
Note: The 15:30 trip runs to Fishcross only; passengers using that journey will need to arrange their own way back to Coalsnaughton.
Single fares are set at £3.10 for adults and £1.55 for children. Cash, card and National Entitlement Cards will be accepted on board.
Background and what residents should know
The Glen’s closure, brought on by ground movement in the vicinity, has disrupted normal travel patterns for people living in Coalsnaughton. While the council and partners continue to assess conditions, the shuttle is intended to maintain access to essential bus links and reduce isolation for those who rely on public transport for work, appointments and shopping.
As the service is being trialled, residents should be prepared for possible short-notice timetable tweaks aimed at improving reliability and connections. Any operational updates are expected to be communicated by the council and the operator as they arise.
- Start date: Monday 20 July
- Duration: approximately 4–6 weeks (subject to review)
- Operator: Wee County Bus, linking to McGill’s 52 at Fishcross
- Stops: The Burns Club (outbound), Fishcross Primary School (return)
- Payments: cash, card and National Entitlement Cards accepted
Residents who depend on the connection to the McGill’s 52 route are encouraged to plan around the fixed weekday departures listed above. Those needing an afternoon return after the 15:30 outbound should consider alternative arrangements until further notice.
InfoRadar will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on any changes to the timetable or duration of the shuttle while The Glen remains closed.
