Trossachs Explorer Pilot: Evaluation Report Findings

About the Pilot

The Trossachs Explorer was introduced as a seasonal shuttle service from July to September 2024, connecting Callander and Aberfoyle with remote destinations within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Designed to provide a sustainable transport alternative, the pilot aimed to reduce car dependency, improve accessibility for visitors and residents, and support local businesses. 

The project was delivered in partnership with Stirling Council, supported by local businesses, community groups, and bus operator Midland Bluebird. Funding was provided through BMW UK’s Recharge in Nature partnership with UK National Parks and Paths for All’s Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Open Fund, with additional backing from the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland. 

Evaluation Findings

The independent evaluation, based on 29 stakeholder interviews, 195 public survey responses, insights from 11 Volunteer Rangers, and ticket data analysis, provided a well-rounded assessment of the pilot’s impact and areas for improvement. Key findings include: 

• Improved accessibility – Opened up remote areas, new trails, and destinations within the Park. 
• Community & business support – Strengthened social and economic ties in the area. 
• Convenience & reliability – Offered an easy-to-use, friendly, and dependable alternative to car travel. 
• Environmental benefits – Promoted sustainable tourism and more responsible recreation. 
• Strong branding – Created professional, cohesive branding that conveyed reliability and quality. 
• Social connections – Fostered a welcoming, community atmosphere. 
• Strategic alignment – Contributed to sustainability and accessibility goals while balancing tourism growth with environmental protection. 

Areas for improvement & development (funding and operator dependent) include: 

• Enhanced marketing & awareness – Earlier promotion and outreach to regional transport hubs. 
• Improved integration – Better timetable alignment with other transport services and integrated ticketing options. 
• Operational enhancements – More frequent services, sustainable vehicles, and circular routes. 
• Extended season & coverage – A longer season and potential year-round operation. 
• Better user experience – Clearer signage, onboard stop announcements, and bike-friendly options. 
• Stronger community engagement – Showcasing passenger success stories and business partnerships. 
• Increased environmental commitment – Transition to electric buses and measuring car journey reductions. 
• Digital solutions – User-friendly journey planning, ticket purchasing, and real-time updates. 
• Inclusivity measures – Continued concession-friendly pricing and expanded discounts for families and youth groups. 

You can read the full evaluation report by downloading it at the bottom of this page.

Testimonials & User Feedback

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon said: 

“The Trossachs Explorer has improved local access and opened up the National Park to a more diverse range of visitors and with more than 5000 people using the service, it demonstrated there is demand for more sustainable travel options.

We want people to visit our National Parks, but we must make sure we protect their natural beauty and tackle climate change. I am delighted that this pilot was so successful, ensuring that local residents and visitors could still enjoy the most beautiful and remote areas without using their cars.” 

Trossachs Explorer user Alan from Paisley shared his experience: 

“I used the Trossachs Explorer for a day trip to Callander from my home in Paisley, journeying via Glasgow and Aberfoyle on Midland Bluebird X10A.  As well as the beautiful journey in itself, this allowed me 5 hours in Callander, time to do the 3 Bridges Walk to Dunmore Hill Fort, with time afterwards to have a meal at the Riverside Inn and a potter about the shops in the town.

As someone who cannot drive a car but who enjoys walking in the great outdoors, I have long been frustrated by the great difficulty I have in accessing many of the most beautiful parts of Scotland due to the lack of bus services in so many rural and scenic areas, and the lack of connectivity with routes into these areas. The Trossachs Explorer summer bus has been a very good example of what can be achieved with a bit of joined-up thinking. It allowed me to enjoy a day out in a very beautiful part of our country, and also meant I spent money in local businesses.” 

Additional user feedback: 

• “I very much hope that the Trossachs Explorer will return next summer season and I will certainly use it again if it does.” 

• “Fantastic service. Please keep it running!” 

• “What a brilliant amenity it is to have the Trossachs Explorer! So excited to make good use of it. Makes a huge difference for car-free walkers like me.” 

• “On behalf of Port of Menteith Community Council, we would like to commend you on a good initiative and to say that we are delighted by its success. We hope that success will breed success and that the service will become permanently embedded in a tourism management system in the area. We will do all we can to promote it as a facility going forward.” 

Next Steps 

We are actively exploring options for a second year of the Trossachs Explorer in 2025. However, securing funding and identifying an operator within the required timeframe remain key challenges. 

We will provide further updates as soon as plans for 2025 become clearer.  

The Trossachs Explorer forms a key strand of our National Park Partnership Plan, specifically within the Transport and Travel category, supporting efforts to enhance sustainable access and reduce car dependency within the Park.