Councillors in a remote village have unanimously voted to permanently close a nursery that at times had only one child attending. The decision to shut the doors at Crianlarich Nursery in Stirling, Scotland, came after the council’s children and young people committee undertook a formal consultation earlier this year. The closure is set for August 2025, prompting concerns that young children in the area may now face a 16-mile journey to access alternative nurseries.
While the closure is expected to result in staff savings and cost reduction for maintenance and repairs, falling numbers, projected figures, and recruitment challenges were cited as factors behind the closure recommendation. The nursery, which caters to children aged 2-5, historically served a mix of children from Stirling and Argyll and Bute councils. However, recent records showed a drastic decline in attendance, with only two Stirling children enrolled in the 2023-24 academic year.
During a committee meeting, concerns were raised about the impact of the closure on rural isolation and the lack of suitable public transport options for children in the area. While some councillors acknowledged the necessity of the closure due to declining numbers, concerns were also expressed about the broader decline in rural communities and the impact on families who may have expected their children to attend the nursery.
An interim arrangement had seen children from Crianlarich Nursery attending Killin Nursery, approximately 16 miles away. Following the closure decision, councillors agreed to provide transportation support to the current attendees of Crianlarich Nursery to continue attending Killin Nursery beyond 2025. However, this support is not open-ended, with concerns raised about setting unsustainable precedents across the council’s nursery estate.
Although the decision to close the nursery was accepted, discussions also touched on the broader challenges facing rural communities, including issues of recruitment and declining local services. The councillor emphasised the need for a holistic approach to supporting rural areas to prevent further decline in essential services and facilities. As the community prepares to say goodbye to Crianlarich Nursery, questions remain about the future of early learning and childcare for young children in this remote village.