Bankfoot: A Charming Village in Perth and Kinross
Nestled in the heart of Scotland, Bankfoot is a peaceful village located within the Perth and Kinross council area. Positioned approximately 8 miles (13 km) north of Perth and 7 miles (11 km) south of Dunkeld, the village benefits from its proximity to the A9 trunk road, a major highway that makes Bankfoot an ideal base for those commuting within the scenic region of Perthshire.
According to the 2022 Scotland's Census, the village is home to 1,254 people living across 563 households. The community has a notable demographic profile, with 26.7% of its residents aged 65 years or older.
Key Facts
- Location: Perth and Kinross, Scotland.
- Population: 1,254 (2022 Census).
- Education: Served by Auchtergaven Primary School.
- Connectivity: Close proximity to the A9 trunk road.
- Governance: Part of the Angus and Perthshire Glens UK Parliament constituency and Perthshire North Scottish Parliament constituency.
Community and Education
Education in the village is provided by Auchtergaven Primary School. The school takes its name from the Church of Scotland parish of Auchtergaven, the wider administrative and ecclesiastical district in which Bankfoot is situated.
The social heart of the village is the Bankfoot Church Centre. Opened in October 2008, this modern facility replaced a nineteenth-century church building that was tragically destroyed by fire in February 2004. Operating under the motto "Bankfoot Church and Community Building Together," the centre serves as a daily hub for various local groups.
Historically, the village's Main Street housed the Bankfoot Post Office. This facility closed in 2008, and its services were relocated to a nearby convenience store. By 2017, the original post office building had been converted into an architect's office.
![Bankfoot Post Office was on the village's Main Street. It closed in 2008, with its services moved inside a nearby convenience store.[3] As of 2017, this building is now occupied by an architect's office](/images/f3/bd/f3bd899886de71063d05ee670bcb91e4fdcd9136d44c941bca1245448a2d7dab.jpg)
Sports and Recreation
Bankfoot has a diverse sporting history. In football, the village was once home to the junior club Bankfoot Athletic. Beyond football, the community maintains an active interest in several other sports, including a badminton club and a tennis club featuring two courts.
The village's bowling club is also a point of local pride, notably hosting the Caledonia Challenge Cup in August 2010.
Transport and Infrastructure
Railway History
Transport in Bankfoot has evolved significantly over the last century. Until 1931, the village was connected to the wider rail network via the Bankfoot railway station, which operated on a branch line linking the village to Perth railway station.
Bus Services
Following the decline of the railway, bus services became the primary mode of public transport. A service operated by the Stanley-based company Allan & Scott began in the 1930s, running twice daily on Sundays between Stanley and Bankfoot. This service was taken over by A&C McLennan of Spittalfield in 1946.
The service saw various changes over the years, including the introduction of double-decker buses in 1950. Fares evolved from 5 1/2 shillings single and 10 shillings return in 1952 to 8 shillings single and one farthing return by 1963. However, by 1966, the service had dwindled to operating only on the first Sunday of each month, and it was officially withdrawn in 1967.
Notable Residents
Bankfoot and the surrounding parish have been home to several distinguished individuals:
- Robert Nicoll (1814–1837): A Scottish poet and lyricist born at Little Tullybelton in Auchtergaven parish, located less than two miles west of the village.
- Miles Briggs: A Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP).
- Jessie Margaret King (1862–?): A recognized writer.
Village Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Population (2022) | 1,254 |
| Postcode District | PH1 |
| Dialling Code | 01738 |
| OS Grid Reference | NO067354 |
| Primary School | Auchtergaven Primary School |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bankfoot located?
Bankfoot is a village in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, situated about 8 miles north of Perth and 7 miles south of Dunkeld, near the A9 trunk road.
What is the population of Bankfoot?
As of the 2022 Scotland's Census, Bankfoot has a population of 1,254 people across 563 households.
What happened to the original Bankfoot church?
The nineteenth-century church building was destroyed by fire in February 2004 and was replaced by the Bankfoot Church Centre, which opened in October 2008.
Did Bankfoot ever have a train station?
Yes, Bankfoot had a railway station on a branch line to Perth, but it ceased operations in 1931.
Who is Robert Nicoll?
Robert Nicoll (1814–1837) was a Scottish poet and lyricist born at Little Tullybelton in the Auchtergaven parish, near Bankfoot.