On a chilly December morning in Moray, Scotland, the landscape along the River Spey changed forever. The nearly 140-year-old Garmouth, or Spey, Viaduct—a beloved iron lattice bridge that has spanned the river since 1886—partially collapsed, sending shockwaves through the local community and far beyond. What was once a vital railway crossing and, more recently, a cherished path for walkers and cyclists, now stands damaged and cordoned off, its future uncertain.
According to Moray Council, engineers conducted an initial assessment on December 15, 2025, confirming that the collapse was most likely caused by scour—a process where fast-moving water erodes soil, sand, or gravel from around a bridge’s foundations. The Council explained, “Moray Council engineers have now assessed the Garmouth Viaduct and on initial inspection can confirm the collapse appears to be due to scour. At the time of the last scour report, by a specialist contractor in 2023, there was no evidence of scour. It appears that over the last year the river flow path has changed, which may have contributed to a change of impact on the piers.”
The collapse was visually dramatic. As reported by UNN with reference to the BBC, photos circulating on social media showed one of the supporting stone piers tilted at an alarming angle, with part of the metal structure twisted and fallen into the river below. The Spey Viaduct, an iron girder structure near Garmouth, was not only an important historical artifact but also a popular route for cyclists and pedestrians, forming a key link in the Speyside Way walking trail from Spey Bay to Ballindalloch.
Police Scotland quickly cordoned off the area, standing guard near the battered bridge and urging the public to keep their distance. Moray Council echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are installing more robust fencing around the bridge to ensure the safety of the public. The message remains for members of the public to avoid the immediate area, both on land and river users, and not to climb on any part of the bridge for their own safety.”
For locals, the collapse was more than a structural failure—it was an emotional blow. Richard Lochhead, the local Member of Scottish Parliament, captured the mood: “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.” Councillor Shona Morrison added, “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.”
The viaduct’s history is as impressive as its architecture. Built between 1883 and 1886 to carry the Moray Coast Railway, the bridge stretches 950 feet (290 meters) and features a 350-foot (106.6 meters) wrought-iron lattice bow girder span over the river, with three 100-foot (30.5 meters) lattice girder approach spans on either side. Its piers, constructed from cast-iron caissons filled with concrete, were sunk to depths of 25–35 feet (and, in some cases, as deep as 75 feet) to anchor the structure in the often-shifting gravel of the Spey’s floodplain. The bridge’s robust design was put to the test upon completion, when it bore a load of 400 tons of gravel in 20 trucks, causing a deflection of just 29mm—a testament to its engineering.
After serving as a railway crossing for more than 80 years, the viaduct’s rails went silent in 1968, a casualty of the Beeching Axe that swept away many rural lines. Yet the bridge found new life as part of the National Cycle Network (NCN1) and the Speyside Way, drawing walkers, cyclists, and tourists keen to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Moray region.
But what led to the sudden collapse of such a storied structure? Moray Council’s records reveal a complex picture. The last general inspection, conducted in May 2025, found several areas of concern: steelwork in all three spans needed painting, some lap joints showed section loss, there was mortar loss on many piers, one upstream pier was cracked, timber decay was present on the surface, and loose bolts were identified. Importantly, the riverbed showed signs of scour at the east span, and embankment erosion was noted. However, the inspection was limited to parts of the bridge that could be accessed safely; the fast-flowing nature of the Spey made it impossible to examine the underwater foundations without specialist equipment.
A more specialized scour inspection in 2023 had found no evidence of scour at that time, and the abutment—being built on rocks—was not considered problematic. Yet, as Moray Council pointed out, “the river flow path has changed,” likely increasing the pressure on the piers and accelerating the process of scour. In simple terms, as the river dug away at the ground supporting the bridge, the structure’s footing was undermined until it could no longer stand.
The collapse occurred amid a period of unsettled weather, with Scotland experiencing rain and wind warnings in the weeks leading up to the incident. Although Moray itself was not included in the most recent weather alert areas, the Met Office had issued yellow and amber warnings elsewhere, cautioning that “there is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life.”
With the bridge now closed indefinitely, attention turns to the future. Moray Council is in the process of instructing a specialist engineer to undertake a more detailed inspection and assessment, with the aim of progressing this work before Christmas or early in the new year. The immediate priority is to make the area safe and carry out clean-up operations to prevent further damage. “There is no immediate solution to get the bridge in a sufficient state to re-open,” the Council stated, emphasizing that any long-term decisions—whether to repair, replace, or possibly involve the 39 Engineer Regiment at Kinloss—will be considered in the new year, subject to available funding and consultation with relevant statutory bodies.
As a listed structure, the Garmouth Viaduct’s fate will be closely watched by heritage groups, local residents, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Moray Council acknowledged the intensity of public feeling, saying, “We’re well aware of the strength of feeling in the local community, and further afield, for this bridge and how well used it is by walkers and cyclists.”
For now, the battered remains of the Spey Viaduct stand as a stark reminder of both the power of nature and the challenges of maintaining historic infrastructure in a changing environment. The bridge’s story is far from over; its next chapter, whether one of restoration or reinvention, will be shaped by the decisions made in the coming months and the enduring affection of those who have walked its span.
