The Scottish Government has announced £113,000 in funding to address the collapse of the 19th-century Spey Viaduct near Elgin, Moray. The historic bridge collapsed into the River Spey last month due to soil erosion around its foundations, cutting off key cycling and walking routes.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop confirmed the funding package during a Holyrood debate brought by Scottish Tory MSP Tim Eagle. She emphasized the structure's significance: «It is clear that the Spey Viaduct played a greater role to those in Moray than just a river crossing – it had cultural and historic significance and facilitated journeys and recreational activities for locals and visitors alike.»
Immediate Response
The funding from the active travel infrastructure fund will cover engineering assessments, planning activities, and implementation of an alternative route through the end of the 2025-26 financial year. The collapse disrupted the National Cycle Network route, the Moray Coastal Path, and linkage points with the Speyside Way.
Hyslop outlined the government's priorities: «In the days following the incident, the priority lay in making the area safe and investigating the cause of the collapse.»
Alternative Route
The focus has now shifted to restoring access. «The focus now has shifted to reopening the National Cycle Network route, the Moray Coastal Path, and linkage points with the Speyside Way using an alternative crossing of the river and safe paths through the Gordon Castle area, the new route having been confirmed and fresh signage to be put in place», Hyslop said.
Scottish Government officials are continuing to engage with Moray Council, Hitrans (Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership), and Walk Wheel Cycle Trust to minimize disruption.
Long-Term Solution
Moray Council has developed a four-step assessment plan to evaluate the full impact of the collapse on the riverbed and surrounding land. This will inform decisions about whether to repair or replace the viaduct.
However, Hyslop acknowledged significant financial challenges ahead: «Significant funding is required to take us through these steps and Moray Council are exploring options available.» Further substantial funding will be needed for any potential replacement of the historic structure.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
