Scottish Government Pledges £113,000 for Moray Bridge Collapse Recovery
The Scottish Government has announced a funding package of £113,000 to address the aftermath of the Spey Viaduct collapse in Moray, which occurred last month. This financial commitment, confirmed by Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop during a Holyrood debate, aims to support immediate recovery efforts and planning for the historic structure's future.
Details of the Funding and Immediate Response
Speaking in response to a members business debate initiated by Scottish Conservative MSP Tim Eagle, Ms Hyslop outlined that the funding will be allocated from the active travel infrastructure fund for the remainder of the 2025-26 financial year. The collapse of the 19th-century viaduct near Elgin, attributed to soil erosion around its foundations, has disrupted local transport and recreational routes.
The funding will be directed towards several key areas:
- Engineering assessments to evaluate the damage and stability of the site.
- Planning activities for both short-term and long-term solutions.
- Implementation of an alternative route to restore connectivity.
Ms Hyslop emphasised that the initial priority following the incident was ensuring public safety and investigating the cause. She noted, "In the days following the incident, the priority lay in making the area safe and investigating the cause of the collapse."
Cultural Significance and Community Impact
The Transport Secretary highlighted the broader importance of the Spey Viaduct, stating it held cultural and historic significance for the Moray community. It served not only as a river crossing but also facilitated journeys and recreational activities for locals and visitors, including connections to the National Cycle Network and local paths.
Current efforts are focused on:
- Reopening the National Cycle Network route and the Moray Coastal Path.
- Establishing linkage points with the Speyside Way using an alternative river crossing.
- Creating safe paths through the Gordon Castle area, with new signage to be installed.
Long-Term Solutions and Collaborative Efforts
For a permanent resolution, Moray Council has developed a plan involving four key assessment steps to understand the impact on the riverbed and surrounding land. Ms Hyslop acknowledged that "significant" further funding will be required for repair or replacement options, which the council is actively exploring.
The Scottish Government is collaborating with Moray Council, Hitrans (Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership), and the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust to minimise disruption and find viable solutions. Ms Hyslop added, "Scottish Government officials are continuing to engage with these partners to assist in minimising disruption and find a solution."
This funding announcement underscores the government's commitment to supporting infrastructure recovery in Moray, balancing immediate needs with long-term planning for this vital local asset.
