Moray Council: Could ownership of Craigellachie’s Telford bridge be settled for good?
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SUPPORT is being sought to find out once and for all exactly who owns one of Moray's best-known monument.
For years confusion has surrounded the Telford Bridge at Craigellachie.
The uncertainty is blocking efforts by The Friends of Craigellachie Bridge community group from raising funds for much needed conservation work.
Speyside/Glenlivet councillors Juli Harris and Derek Ross are seeking backing from their fellow elected members to have the issue resolved.
Cllr Harris (SNP) will put forward a motion next week, seconded by cllr Ross (Independent), for council officers to investigate who is responsible for maintaining the span.
They pair want to know if a compulsory purchase order will be needed and are asking how the repair work will cost.
Friends of Craigellachie Bridge commissioned an inspection in 2022, which identified that structural repairs need to be carried out.
In her motion cllr Harris states: "Many visitors come to Moray Speyside specifically to see this historic structure.
"The local community, including the Friends of Craigellachie Bridge, have expressed concern over its condition."
The issue will be discussed by the council on Wednesday.
Designed by renowned civil engineer Thomas Telford, the single arch span over the River Spey was built between 1812 and 1814.
Half the funds came from the government, with the rest raised through public subscriptions.
Now a footbridge, it used to be part of the main road between Elgin and Grantown until closing to vehicles in October 1972.
The bridge is Category A listed by Historic Environment Scotland.
Designated as a landmark by both the Institution of Civil Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers, the bridge appeared on a Royal Mail stamp in 2015 as part of a collection celebrating Britain’s engineering genius.
In August Moray Council said its ownership was "unknown" but pledged to work cooperatively with the friends group.
