Timmy Mallett Calls for Restoration of Collapsed Garmouth Viaduct

Timmy Mallett has urged the full restoration of the Garmouth Viaduct after the historic railway bridge collapsed into the River Spey in Moray. The 140-year-old structure, which fell on Sunday, is a key part of both the National Cycle Network and the Speyside Way, a long-distance trail stretching 137 kilometres from Buckie to Newtonmore.

The former children’s TV presenter, known for his work in the 1980s and 1990s, has a personal connection to the bridge. In 2022, Mallett cycled nearly 5,000 miles around the British Isles, crossing the viaduct and describing it as one of the “highlights” of his journey.

Images following the collapse show a large section of the iron structure submerged in the River Spey, one of Scotland’s fastest-flowing rivers, highlighting the scale of the incident.

Timmy Mallett said:

“I loved cycling across this fabulous historic Iron girder bridge over the River Spey in Moray on my cycle circumnavigation of Britain. It’s one of the highlights of the 5,000-mile ride. This weekend it collapsed. Please restore this national treasure!”

Moray Council confirmed that engineers are examining the site but asked members of the public and media to keep a safe distance from the remaining sections of the bridge.

The collapse has raised concerns among walkers and cyclists who regularly use the route, which links key paths in the region and forms an important part of Scotland’s outdoor trail network.

Image: Shona Morrison