Restore collapsed national treasure bridge, urges Timmy Mallett

Timmy Mallett has called for a railway bridge that collapsed into the River Spey to be fully restored for walkers and cyclists.

Mallet, who became a household name as a children’s TV presenter in the 1980s and 1990s, previously rode across the historic Garmouth Viaduct in 2022 when he cycled almost 5,000 miles around the British Isles.

He said the bridge was one of the “highlights” of his route.

Garmouth Viaduct: Historic rail bridge collapses into River Spey. Roddy Robertson

The almost 140-year-old Garmouth Viaduct collapsed into the River Spey in Moray on Sunday.

Images show a significant part of the structure lying in the river, which is considered the fastest-flowing in Scotland.

The former rail bridge is part of the National Cycle Network and also the Speyside Way, which begins in Buckie and ends at Newtonmore 137 kilometres away.

On Monday, Mallet, who is now known for his cycling and passion for painting, called for the bridge to be restored.

“I loved cycling across this fabulous historic Iron girder bridge over the River Spey in Moray on my cycle circumnavigation of Britain,” he said in a Facebook post.

“It’s one of the highlights of the 5,000-mile ride. This weekend it collapsed. Please restore this national treasure!”

Locals and visitors on Facebook agreed with Mallett that the popular bridge and walking route should be restored.

“It was a sad weekend for Moray, I’m still in utter disbelief that it collapsed, a favourite place for many to cycle,” one woman commented.

Another said it was “heartbreaking” to see it collapse.

Someone else said: “As a local, I am gutted, but the last time I walked it, I felt uneasy. We are just grateful it collapsed in the night when no one was near.”

Moray Council confirmed on Sunday that a police cordon is in place and said that the bridge will remain closed until further notice.

“Our engineers are aware and will assess the situation before further detail can be provided,” the council said.

“Members of the public and media are asked to keep their distance from the rest of the bridge structure.”

Moray’s SNP MSP Richard Lochhead said on Sunday that the local community will be “heartbroken” by the collapse of the viaduct.

He said it is “not only an iconic structure but also incredibly popular with walkers, cyclists, and tourists”.

“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,” Lochhead said.

Local councillor Shona Morrison added: “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.”