A significant transportation hub in the Perth and Kinross area, the Scone Park and Ride facility, is slated for permanent closure on February 1, 2026. This decision, announced by Perth and Kinross Council (PKC), stems from an inability to reach a mutually agreeable arrangement with the site’s landowner. The Council, which has operated as the tenant, cited a failure to “formalise the arrangements in place” that would ensure “best value for public money” as the primary reason for the cessation of services at the popular site.
The closure is poised to have a noticeable impact on local commuters, particularly those relying on the Stagecoach 57/57A bus service. This route currently integrates the park and ride into its schedule, serving as a crucial link for many residents travelling into and out of Perth. PKC has confirmed that discussions are already underway with Stagecoach to assess and mitigate the repercussions of the closure on this vital public transport connection. The goal is to ensure that alternative arrangements for bus stops and service adjustments are communicated well in advance to the affected communities. Community Services and Future Planning
Beyond its role as a commuter parking lot, the Scone Park and Ride site also hosts essential community amenities, including recycling facilities and electric vehicle (EV) charging points. Recognising the importance of these services to local residents, a PKC spokesperson indicated that efforts are actively being made to identify and secure alternative locations for these facilities. The local authority is keen to maintain access to these services within the Scone area.
In a proactive move to address community needs, the Scone and District Community Council has already engaged in preliminary discussions with ward members, providing valuable local feedback on potential new sites for these services. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that future provisions align with community requirements and accessibility, softening the blow of the main facility’s departure.
The facility, conveniently situated just off the A94, adjacent to the busy Angus Road roundabout, has offered 50 free car parking spaces to commuters seven days a week. Its strategic location has made it a convenient option for those looking to avoid city centre congestion and parking charges, contributing to smoother traffic flow in and around Perth. For many residents in Scone and the surrounding villages, it has been an integral part of their daily commute, offering a convenient interchange to public transport without the hassle of city parking. Temporary Disruption Ahead
Adding to the news, a temporary disruption to the Scone Park and Ride is also on the horizon. The site is scheduled for a short-term closure of approximately two weeks, commencing on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. This interim closure is necessary to facilitate critical road resurfacing works being carried out between Stormont Road and the New Kingsway (A9294) roundabout. Commuters should prepare for this temporary cessation of services well ahead of the permanent closure in early 2026. This double blow of a temporary closure followed by a permanent one will undoubtedly test the resilience of local commuters. Broader Transport Strategy
This development occurs against a backdrop of broader strategic planning for transport infrastructure in Perth. Interestingly, while the Scone facility faces closure due to financial viability concerns, Perth and Kinross Council is simultaneously exploring “further improvements” for the Broxden Park and Ride. This suggests a shifting focus in regional transport strategy, potentially centralising resources or re-evaluating the role of smaller park and ride facilities in favour of larger, more comprehensively developed hubs.
The emphasis on enhancing Broxden could indicate a move towards a hub-and-spoke model, where a larger, more central facility serves a wider catchment area, potentially with increased capacity and improved amenities. However, this strategy raises questions about accessibility for those in more rural areas who currently benefit from smaller, localised options like Scone. The long-term implications for local travel patterns, public transport dependency, and environmental initiatives, such as reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips, will undoubtedly be a topic of continued discussion among residents and local government alike as Perth and Kinross navigates its evolving transport landscape.
The closure is poised to have a noticeable impact on local commuters, particularly those relying on the Stagecoach 57/57A bus service. This route currently integrates the park and ride into its schedule, serving as a crucial link for many residents travelling into and out of Perth. PKC has confirmed that discussions are already underway with Stagecoach to assess and mitigate the repercussions of the closure on this vital public transport connection. The goal is to ensure that alternative arrangements for bus stops and service adjustments are communicated well in advance to the affected communities. Community Services and Future Planning
Beyond its role as a commuter parking lot, the Scone Park and Ride site also hosts essential community amenities, including recycling facilities and electric vehicle (EV) charging points. Recognising the importance of these services to local residents, a PKC spokesperson indicated that efforts are actively being made to identify and secure alternative locations for these facilities. The local authority is keen to maintain access to these services within the Scone area.
In a proactive move to address community needs, the Scone and District Community Council has already engaged in preliminary discussions with ward members, providing valuable local feedback on potential new sites for these services. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that future provisions align with community requirements and accessibility, softening the blow of the main facility’s departure.
The facility, conveniently situated just off the A94, adjacent to the busy Angus Road roundabout, has offered 50 free car parking spaces to commuters seven days a week. Its strategic location has made it a convenient option for those looking to avoid city centre congestion and parking charges, contributing to smoother traffic flow in and around Perth. For many residents in Scone and the surrounding villages, it has been an integral part of their daily commute, offering a convenient interchange to public transport without the hassle of city parking. Temporary Disruption Ahead
Adding to the news, a temporary disruption to the Scone Park and Ride is also on the horizon. The site is scheduled for a short-term closure of approximately two weeks, commencing on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. This interim closure is necessary to facilitate critical road resurfacing works being carried out between Stormont Road and the New Kingsway (A9294) roundabout. Commuters should prepare for this temporary cessation of services well ahead of the permanent closure in early 2026. This double blow of a temporary closure followed by a permanent one will undoubtedly test the resilience of local commuters. Broader Transport Strategy
This development occurs against a backdrop of broader strategic planning for transport infrastructure in Perth. Interestingly, while the Scone facility faces closure due to financial viability concerns, Perth and Kinross Council is simultaneously exploring “further improvements” for the Broxden Park and Ride. This suggests a shifting focus in regional transport strategy, potentially centralising resources or re-evaluating the role of smaller park and ride facilities in favour of larger, more comprehensively developed hubs.
The emphasis on enhancing Broxden could indicate a move towards a hub-and-spoke model, where a larger, more central facility serves a wider catchment area, potentially with increased capacity and improved amenities. However, this strategy raises questions about accessibility for those in more rural areas who currently benefit from smaller, localised options like Scone. The long-term implications for local travel patterns, public transport dependency, and environmental initiatives, such as reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips, will undoubtedly be a topic of continued discussion among residents and local government alike as Perth and Kinross navigates its evolving transport landscape.