Murdo is asking for “heads to be knocked together” to find a solution to the possibility that the Scone Park and Ride may close.
He was reacting to information passed to local councillors that the site at Scone Park and Ride, which is owned by AJ Stephen and was leased by Perth and Kinross Council, is set to close to the public on February 1, 2026.
It has emerged that there was never a signed lease drawn up between the two bodies. There is now the prospect of the recycling units, EV chargers and bus stop being removed, and a locked gate erected at the entrance.
Commenting, Murdo said: “It is astonishing that this facility for residents of Scone and East Perthshire could be lost entirely because Perth and Kinross Council failed to sign a lease which had been agreed.
“If the Park and Ride closes then there is a great concern that the folk who park there now will in future park in residential streets, and the EV chargers and recycling units will need to find new locations.
“Initially, residents could use the Stagecoach number 7 bus but that was withdrawn due to an apparent lack of use, despite my raising the concerns of local residents. The site is still served by the number 57 bus, which is an hourly service to and from Alyth and Blairgowrie, but now it’s been announced that that service will cease at the Park and Ride from February 1.
“People have been using the Scone Park and Ride for more than 20 years, and whilst it is not always full people still park there, and it is a useful meeting point. Where will these motorists park if it closes?
Murdo continued: “The information passed to Councillors states that EV (Electric Vehicle) chargers will be removed from the site along with the recycling units and bus shelter with the intention to close the actual site to the public from February 1, 2026.
“We need answers on this issue as closing the Park and Ride will be huge loss to the residents of Scone. We need heads knocked together in the Council to find a solution.”
