Aboyne residents 'cut off' as lifeline bridge remains closed after two years

Residents in Aberdeenshire say they feel “cut off and let down” following the closure of a key bridge more than two years ago.

More than 100 community members in Aboyne gathered on Monday to call on Aberdeenshire Council to act urgently.

Aboyne Bridge was closed to vehicles in 2023 due to “significant structural issues,” but remains open to pedestrians.

However, businesses in the area say they’re seeing a drop in trade, with residents feeling isolated and drivers forced to add 20 miles to their journey to reach the other side.

Aberdeenshire Council says it recognises the impact the closure is having and has organised meetings at the end of the month to look at options going forward.

An Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson said: “While the ongoing investigatory work has uncovered further structural issues with the bridge, at this time it remains open for pedestrian use.

“It is prudent that this decision is kept under review and, to that end, a programme of appropriate in-situ load testing is currently being developed.

“The impacts of the current restrictions on traffic use have a significant effect on residents and businesses in the area, and we fully appreciate that any further restriction would only add to these impacts.

“As such, maintaining safe pedestrian access to the bridge is a priority, and the programme of load testing is an important aspect of that work.

“Drop-in sessions have been organised on Thursday, January 29, in Birse Hall from 11am-8pm and on Wednesday, February 4, at Aboyne Scout Hut from 11am-8pm.

“Members of the council’s Structures Team and representatives from our consultant will be on hand to provide detailed information on the current condition of the bridge and the work underway to determine the most appropriate way forward.

“Our public sector partners in the police, fire and ambulance services are also being invited to attend to provide their feedback, and we would encourage residents and businesses to join us at these sessions.”