Craigellachie Bridge

Craigellachie Bridge is a cast-iron arch bridge that crosses the River Spey near Craigellachie and Aberlour in Moray, Scotland. Designed by Thomas Telford, it was built between 1812 and 1814 and remains a Category A listed structure. The bridge has a single span of 150 feet and was revolutionary for its slender iron arch. Its ironwork was cast at Plas Kynaston iron foundry and transported via canal, aqueduct, and sea before being taken to the site. The bridge features mock-medieval masonry towers at each end, standing 50 feet high with arrow slits and battlements. The bridge is notable for its unusually high tensile strength in the cast iron, specified by Telford to handle loading in ways traditional masonry bridges could not. It served regular traffic until 1963 when it was closed for refurbishment, completed in 1964. A 14-ton weight restriction was imposed, and modern vehicles were diverted to a nearby concrete bridge built in 1970. Despite this, the original bridge remains open for pedestrians and cyclists. It has been recognised as a civil engineering landmark and hosts plaques commemorating historical events, including a 1994 military amalgamation parade. Visitors to Craigellachie Bridge find a well-preserved structure with striking architectural details. The masonry towers at each end add a distinctive medieval appearance to the iron arch. The bridge offers views of the River Spey and the surrounding Moray countryside. A plaque marks the 1964 refurbishment, and another honours the 1994 military event. The bridge’s connection to Scottish culture includes a strathspey tune named after it and its depiction on a Royal Mail stamp and local brewery logos.