On the morning of December 14, 2025, residents of Moray, Scotland awoke to the shocking news that the historic Spey Viaduct—an iconic iron girder bridge nearly 140 years old—had collapsed into the fast-flowing River Spey. The collapse of this Victorian-era structure, also known locally as the Garmouth Viaduct, has sent ripples of sadness and concern throughout the local community and beyond, as authorities cordoned off the area and began to assess the damage.
Drone images captured in the aftermath, as reported by Press and Journal, show dramatic scenes: large sections of the iron structure submerged and twisted in the river’s powerful current. The bridge, which was completed in 1886 by Aberdeen’s Blaikie Bros and designed by Blyth and Cunningham with Patrick Barnett, has long been celebrated as a feat of Victorian engineering. Its central span, a 350-foot (107-meter) curving bowstring lattice of girders, stood as a testament to the ingenuity of its creators and the changing nature of the River Spey, which is regarded as the fastest flowing river in Scotland.
Originally constructed to carry the single-track Great North of Scotland Railway along the coastal route between Portsoy and Elgin, the Spey Viaduct served the railway until 1968, when the line was closed during the infamous Beeching Axe. Mercifully, the bridge was spared from dismantling due to the prohibitive costs and safety concerns, allowing it to be repurposed as a footbridge and cycling route. In recent decades, it became a beloved part of the National Cycle Network (NCN 1), the Moray Coastal Trail, and the long-distance Speyside Way, attracting walkers, cyclists, and tourists from near and far.
“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,” said Moray MSP Richard Lochhead, speaking to BBC and other outlets. “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.”
Local councillor Shona Morrison echoed these sentiments, telling BBC, “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.”
Adding to the chorus of concern, Conservative MSP Tim Eagle remarked, “This is a sad and shocking thing to have happened, and thank goodness no-one was hurt when the bridge buckled. Questions will of course be asked about maintenance and I will be seeking discussions with the council on this and what the future holds.” Eagle also emphasized the impact on local communities and businesses, pointing out, “Its closure will cause a very lengthy diversion which I fear may affect local communities and businesses nearby such as the Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay. It will be really important to put together a plan for a replacement, if we assume the bridge is beyond repair. This can be done as we saw at Lossiemouth when its footbridge was closed. Let's get all the relevant agencies and potential funders together and agree the first steps as soon as possible.”
Moray Council, responsible for the bridge’s maintenance, acted swiftly to close the Garmouth Viaduct and the surrounding area. In a statement, the council advised, “Please note the closure of the Garmouth Viaduct, on the NCN1 route, until further notice. 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—thank you for your co-operation.”
Police Scotland quickly established a cordon, taping off the bridge near Garmouth and standing guard to ensure public safety. The public was repeatedly urged not to approach the unstable structure or cross the police lines, as engineers began their assessment. While police officers have since departed the scene, the area remains closed and under caution. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of the collapse.
Images circulating on social media and in local newspapers show the extent of the damage: one of the bridge’s supporting stone piers is now leaning at an angle, with part of the metalwork twisted and fallen into the river. The eastern span appears particularly affected, though much of the bridge’s central truss remains standing for now. The incident comes after weeks of weather warnings for rain and wind across Scotland, though Moray itself was not included in the most recent alerts. The Met Office had warned of the possibility of “fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life” in the wettest parts of the country, with some areas expected to see up to 100mm of rain over the weekend.
The collapse has reignited debate about the maintenance and inspection of historic infrastructure in rural Scotland. As reported by The Scotsman and BBC, Lochhead is seeking clarity from Moray Council on “when and by whom the structure was last checked,” while Eagle has called for a comprehensive plan to address the loss and consider options for repair or replacement. The bridge’s closure has already caused disruption to the National Cycle Network and the Speyside Way, with users now facing lengthy diversions. Local businesses, especially those relying on tourist traffic, are bracing for the economic impact.
The Spey Viaduct is not just a piece of Victorian engineering—it’s a living thread in the fabric of Moray’s history and daily life. Its latticework of iron and stone has witnessed generations of change, from the steam trains of the nineteenth century to the cyclists and walkers of today. For many local families, as Morrison noted, the bridge is woven into their personal histories and memories.
As engineers continue their assessment and politicians press for answers, the community is left grappling with the loss of a beloved landmark and the uncertainty of what comes next. The hope, voiced by many, is that a solution can be found that honors the bridge’s past and ensures safe passage across the Spey for generations to come. In the meantime, the twisted remains of the viaduct stand as a stark reminder of the challenges facing historic infrastructure—and the enduring spirit of the communities that cherish them.
