Stagecoach Depot Closures to Impact Three Key Bus Routes in Ayrshire

Ayrshire commuters are being advised of major changes to three key bus services following the announcement that Stagecoach West Scotland will permanently close its Dumfries and Stranraer depots on 6 August 2025.

The decision comes after a competitive tender process by Dumfries & Galloway Council and SWestrans (the South West of Scotland Transport Partnership), which resulted in several existing contracts being awarded to alternative operators.

Local Impact in Ayrshire

Among the affected services is the 246 route between Cumnock and Dumfries, which will now be operated by McCalls from 7 August. The service will run at a reduced frequency, and passengers are encouraged to check revised timetables in advance of travel. The 246 Timetable can be found by clicking HERE.

Another significant change affects the 358 and 360 services connecting Ayr and Stranraer. These routes, previously operated out of the Stranraer depot, will continue under SPT contract but will now run from Stagecoach’s Ayr depot going forward.

A further change includes the 359 between Girvan & Newton Stewart, this will now be operated by Dumfries & Galloway Council with a timetable deduction.

Full List of Discontinued Services

From 6 August, Stagecoach will no longer operate over 25 routes across Dumfries and Galloway, including:

• Local Dumfries town services (D1 to D12)

• Rural connections such as the 74, 75, 236, 246, 359, and 500

• Stranraer and Newton Stewart services including 365, 367, 407, 408, and more

These changes mark a significant shift in how local and inter-town public transport is delivered in the southwest of Scotland.

Services Continuing Operation

Despite the closures, the following Stagecoach services will remain operational:

• 79 (Carlisle to Annan) – continuing from the Carlisle depot

• X74 (Dumfries to Glasgow) – switching to operate from the Cumbernauld depot

• 358/360 (Ayr to Stranraer) – now based out of the Ayr depot

A full list of revised operators and route timetables can be found at swestrans.org.uk.

Stagecoach Statement

In a statement, Stagecoach West Scotland said:

“We regret to announce that our bus depots in Dumfries and Stranraer will permanently close on 6 August 2025. The outcome of the council’s tender process has left us with no viable option but to cease operations on many services in the region.”

Passenger Advice

Passengers are advised to check who will be operating their service from 7 August onwards and to stay updated on revised timetables, especially those using the affected Ayrshire-linked routes such as the 246 and 358/360.