A recent survey of rural communities in Nithsdale shows a bus network that no longer matches communities needs. Nearly 500 residents consistently highlighted the sharp decline in evening and weekend provision – including the complete loss of Sunday services – which has left many households cut off from social interaction, family support and essential travel after 5.30pm. Individuals working shifts reported being unable to rely on public transport for employment, and many expressed concern that young people have lost access to social, leisure and work opportunities due to the restricted timetable.

The N76 Group have produced a report with a clear message: current services are not fit for purpose and calls for practical, community‑backed actions to avoid  growing isolation, reduced opportunity and long-term social and economic harm rural communities.

Actions include reinstating evening and Sunday buses; restoring direct links or reliable connections to Cumnock and Ayr; re-establishing a morning route to Edinburgh; increasing bus capacity at school times; improving timetable accuracy; and strengthening integration with rail services.

A major theme was the loss of direct or guaranteed connections to Cumnock and Ayr, for access to supermarkets, dental and optician appointments, and onward travel.  Respondents described this change as “devastating”, noting that trips that were once straightforward now require lengthy detours, costly taxis, or are simply no longer possible.

The removal of the morning bus connection to Edinburgh, previously available through the 101/102 service, was also widely criticised. Several residents reported that journeys which once took around two hours now take four to five, with multiple changes and limited accessibility.

The impacts fall particularly heavily on residents without cars – including older adults, disabled people, young people, and low‑income households. Respondents feel “abandoned” and “totally isolated”, with some unable to reach hospital appointments or maintain work and social commitments. One parent reported ‘’my  daughter’s journey to college now takes almost two hours each way because  connections don’t work. 

Right along the A76 corridor, concerns were raised about timetable accuracy, unreliable services, missing or mismatched connections, and frequent overcrowding at school peak times. Many describe the system as  “broken” making daily journeys  difficult and undermining confidence in public transport.

You can read a Summary of the Survey Results here:

For further information on the Survey, contact: Mike Steele: mike.steelebsas@yahoo.co.uk 07739183250

To comment on bus issues in Glencairn, please email: moniaiveinitiative@gmail.com

The N76 Group, represents community organisations located along the A76 corridor from Glencairn and Closeburn through to Kirkconnel and New Cumnock. Their report (available at www.moniaiveinitiative.org.uk ) conducted 14 January to 20 February 2026 calls for urgent action and  public involvement in future decisions. The survey is one of the most comprehensive community‑led transport consultations carried out in the region.