A 140-year-old bridge has partially collapsed into the River Spey in Moray, north-east Scotland. The historic Spey Viaduct plunged into the water on Sunday morning, forcing authorities to close the popular walking and cycling route indefinitely and dispatch engineers to assess the damage.
Emergency services responded immediately to the scene. Police Scotland established a cordon around the entrance and exit of the structure, with officers guarding the area. A section of the iron girder bridge, which spans the River Spey, fell into the river below.
Safety warnings issued
Moray Council confirmed the closure of the Garmouth Viaduct on the NCN1 route. A spokesperson said: «Due to a partial collapse, the Garmouth viaduct over the River Spey and immediate surrounding area is closed until further notice. Our engineers are aware and will assess the situation before further detail can be provided. Members of the public and media are asked to keep their distance from the rest of the bridge structure. Do not pass the police cordon in place and do not climb on any part of the bridge.»
Political reactions
Richard Lochhead, MSP for Moray, expressed concern about the collapse. He said: «The local community will be heartbroken by the collapse of the much-loved Spey Viaduct, which is not only an iconic structure but also incredibly popular with walkers, cyclists, and tourists. I'm now in touch with Moray Council seeking answers around when and by whom the structure was last checked, and what happens next with regards to the future of the bridge.»
Councillor Shona Morrison shared her personal sadness. She said: «I was incredibly saddened to hear the news about the collapse of the Spey Viaduct. The viaduct holds such a special place in my family's heart, it is devastating to see the collapse of such a well-loved and iconic landmark.»
Historic structure
The bridge was built as a railway bridge in the 1880s. In recent years, it has been repurposed as a walking route for pedestrians and cyclists. Moray Council maintains responsibility for the structure.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
