Spey Viaduct Collapses, £1 Million Removal Plan Announced

The morning of 14 December 2025 saw two western spans of the 140‑year‑old Spey Viaduct plummet into the River Spey, severing a stretch of the Moray Coastal Trail and National Cycle Network Route 1. Locals who used the crossing for daily walks and commutes now face a three‑mile detour to the nearest bridge at Fochabers, disrupting both recreational and practical travel.

Initial inspections point to scour—water eroding the foundation—though a 2023 specialist survey found no such damage. Engineers say the river’s altered flow path in the past year may have shifted pressure on the piers, yet the exact cause remains undetermined.

Council engineers weighed two demolition strategies: lifting each span in one piece, a costly £1 million lift fraught with safety risks, or slicing the damaged sections into smaller pieces for safer removal. The latter, estimated at £500 000, was chosen for its practicality and lower risk to the remaining structure.

In February 2026, the council awarded a £806 000 contract to TMS Ltd, a marine and civil engineering specialist, to dismantle and transport the debris to a recycling facility. The work will not involve rebuilding the viaduct, leaving its long‑term future uncertain.

Councillor Shona Morrison expressed sorrow over the loss of a cherished landmark, noting the bridge’s historical ties to the Great North of Scotland Railway. Residents and cycling groups have called for a comprehensive assessment of restoration costs before any decision is made.

The council has committed to a full investigation, with a detailed report expected later this year. Depending on the findings, a bid for restoration or a permanent closure may follow, but no definitive timeline has been set.