Garmouth, 15 December (H.S.): A cherished 1886 iron girder bridge spanning the River Spey in Moray has partially collapsed, sending twisted metal into the water below and prompting immediate police cordons on Monday morning.
Known as the Spey Viaduct or Garmouth Viaduct, the 350-foot structure — once a vital rail link, now a favored path for cyclists and walkers — saw one of its stone piers tilt perilously while a central section buckled dramatically.No injuries were reported in the incident, which occurred near Garmouth and disrupted the popular Speyside Way trail and National Cycle Network routes tracing the river from the Moray Firth to the Cairngorms.
Moray Council, responsible for the paved footpath, announced an indefinite closure, with engineers poised to evaluate the damage and assess structural integrity. Authorities urged the public to respect police tape and avoid the hazardous site.Local SNP MSP Richard Lochhead expressed profound community dismay, labeling the viaduct an iconic draw for tourists and questioning the frequency and rigor of recent maintenance inspections by Moray Council.
Councillor Shona Morrison echoed the sentiment, calling the collapse devastating for families with deep personal ties to the landmark, which had stood resilient since the railway line shuttered in the 1960s.Drone imagery captured the extent of the failure: a leaning pier amid rushing waters — Scotland's swiftest river — with debris strewn downstream, underscoring the bridge's sudden vulnerability after nearly 140 years of service.
As investigations proceed, the event has ignited urgent calls for safeguarding Scotland's aging infrastructure against the elements.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
