Crianlarich Nursery, a rural nursery in Stirling, is set to close permanently by August 2025.
Despite providing care for children aged 2-5, the declining enrolment, staff shortages, and budgetary constraints prompted Stirling Council’s unanimous decision. This closure means children in the village will have to travel up to 16 miles to alternative childcare facilities, raising concerns about rural accessibility and “rural isolation.” Local officials acknowledge the inevitability of the closure but expressed regret over the impacts on the community.
The council’s decision to close the nursery, attached to Crianlarich Primary School, comes from the increasing difficulties in recruiting staff and a notable decline in the number of children enrolled. The closure is projected to save the council £110,000 annually in staffing costs, along with other maintenance expenses. Additionally, Crianlarich’s nursery numbers have dwindled to just two children in the current year, further justifying the closure. Staffing challenges have been so critical that children were temporarily relocated to Killin Nursery, 16 miles away, which will now become their permanent destination.
The decision has sparked concerns over the lack of accessible public transport and the impact on rural communities. Local councillors and families have raised issues about rural isolation, compounded by already limited transport options. The council plans to provide transportation support to current and potential children attending Killin Nursery, but this will not be an indefinite solution. Local representatives lamented the broader decline in services in rural communities, such as post offices and schools, emphasising the need for rural-focused planning.
“We are removing an existing facility that those parents at this time could reasonably expect their children to have attended. Once others move into the area they will know there is no facility.” — Councillor Martin Earl, Trossachs and Teith Ward
The closure of Crianlarich Nursery highlights the challenges faced by rural communities in maintaining essential services. For families, the added strain of travelling further for childcare is emblematic of a broader struggle in rural living, where staffing, financial pressures, and declining populations often lead to hard decisions by local councils. The challenge remains for Stirling to continue supporting its rural populations as they face increasing isolation from key services.