Historic bridge collapses, falls into river

A 140-year-old railway bridge in Moray has partially collapsed into the River Spey, cutting off a popular cycling and walking route indefinitely.

A historic railway bridge in Moray has been closed after part of the structure collapsed into the River Spey.

The Spey Viaduct near Garmouth, built in 1886, has been out of railway use for decades but remained a popular route for cyclists and walkers. BBC images show a stone pier tilted at a severe angle, with sections of the steel framework twisted and fallen into the water.

The 107-meter bridge spans the Spey, Scotland’s fastest-flowing river. After the railway line closed in the 1960s, the bridge was resurfaced and became part of the Speyside Way, a long-distance trail linking Moray Firth to Cairngorms National Park. It also forms part of the National Cycle Network.

Moray Council, which oversees the route, has closed the bridge indefinitely.

“Our engineers will assess the situation before providing further details,” the council said, urging the public to keep clear of the remaining structure.

SNP politician Richard Lochhead is demanding answers from the council about inspection records and maintenance responsibility.

“The local community will be devastated. This is more than just a landmark – it’s a vital attraction for visitors,” he said.

Councillor Shona Morrison described the collapse as devastating.

“The viaduct holds deep significance for my family,” she told the BBC.