Fife village left isolated after ‘lifeline’ bus service axed

Frustrated residents in a north east Fife village have been left feeling ignored and isolated after a ‘lifeline’ bus service was stopped.
The Stagecoach 23 service used to link St Andrews and Stirling.The Stagecoach 23 service used to link St Andrews and Stirling.
The Stagecoach 23 service used to link St Andrews and Stirling.

The 23 service, operated by Stagecoach, used to link St Andrews and Stirling, and was an important service for people in Gateside who rely on public transport.

However, since it was cut earlier this year, residents have had to rely on expensive taxi trips or the kindness of neighbours in order to reach services.

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For many in Gateside, the closest services are over the border in Kinross, the nearest GP surgery is in Auchtermuchty, and hospital appointments are in Cupar or St Andrews.

The only bus service which is still available to locals is the 66, which goes to Glenrothes.

“There is now a bus that runs from Stirling to Kinross, and a service from Glenfarg to Kinross, but we are left with a bus to Glenrothes and nothing else,” said Kathryn Wright, chairwoman of the Gateside and District Community Association.

“It’s mind boggling. There are families that don’t have a car or people who are struggling. It just feels that we have dropped out of view.”

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One disabled resident, who had to travel to Kinross for an appointment, paid out £28 for a return trip.

Other locals have been walking along the A91 to get their shopping from Strathmiglo, the nearest village, as Gateside has no amenities.

“There is a feeling of frustration and despair,” added Kathryn. “We’re quite resilient and we work to help each other. But we need the support of the services.”

Tony McRae, service manager at Fife Council Passenger Transport Services, said: “Since Stagecoach withdrew the service 23, we have been in discussions with other operators to look at options for them to provide a service which would connect Gateside, Strathmiglo and Auchtermuchty with Kinross. Work is progressing and we hope to be able to announce shortly details of a daytime service between these villages and Kinross.”

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