The wrought-iron structure, which carried the Moray Coast Railway until 1968 and has since served as part of the Speyside Way walking and cycling route, gave way over the weekend, slumping into the River Spey. No injuries were reported.

A council spokesperson confirmed: “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.

“In the immediate future the area around the structure will be made safe with clean-up works to avoid further damage, with further detailed inspections necessary by a specialist contractor to determine any other works required. The longer-term future of the bridge will be considered in the new year after the initial clear-up operation, with options presented to councillors as soon as practicably possible.”

The council added that more robust fencing is being installed to protect public safety, urging residents and visitors to avoid the site and not to climb on the damaged structure.

The viaduct underwent its last general inspection in May 2025, when issues including timber decay, mortar loss, and scour at the east span were noted. A specialist assessment in 2023 had found no evidence of scour, but engineers now believe changes in the river’s flow path may have undermined the piers.

Scour occurs when fast-moving water erodes material around a bridge’s foundations, eventually destabilising the structure. The River Spey, Scotland’s fastest flowing river, has long been known for its shifting channels, a factor that influenced the original design of the viaduct in the 1880s.

The future of the listed bridge remains uncertain. Options for repair or replacement will be considered in the new year, subject to funding and consultation with statutory bodies.