Work to replace historic Aberdeenshire bridge could start next year – four years after it was demolished

By Denny Andonova

October 17 2022, 4:32 pm

Abbeyton Bridge was demolished in 2018. Picture by Chris Sumner/DC Thomson.

Work to replace a 170-year-old Aberdeenshire bridge could begin next year – more than four years after the original structure was demolished.

Plans to construct a new Abbeyton Bridge, near Fordoun, have been in limbo since 2018, when Aberdeenshire Council decided to close the crossing due to its deteriorating condition.

The bridge, which carried the B966 Fettercairn to Fordoun road, was later demolished amid fears it could crumble onto the railway tracks underneath.

This prompted a heated debate between the local community and the council, with residents and traders continuously raising concerns about the area being “cut off”.

Those trying to reach homes and businesses in the area – such as the nearby Castleton Farm Shop – have since been forced to take a 20-mile diversion route.

Aberdeenshire Council had initially argued there is no financial incentive to progress with the works, however, the bridge was later prioritised after pressure from politicians.

MP Andrew Bowie at the site of the demolished Abbeyton Bridge. Image: Andrew Bowie.

And now, the local authority has confirmed construction could start at the end of next year.

In a letter to West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie, bridge manager Donald Macpherson said they are already in talks about the delivery of the plans.

He wrote: “I can confirm that Aberdeenshire Council is currently in discussion with Network Rail to jointly determine the most effective and efficient way of taking forward the project for a new bridge.

“These discussions are being take forward with the combined intention of targeting construction of the new Abbeyton Bridge for late 2023 or early 2024, with Network Rail delivering both design and construction.”

‘Fantastic news’ for the local community

Mr Bowie, who has been working closely with campaigners, local councillors and stakeholders – including Network Rail – for the last four years, welcomed the news.

He said: “This has been one of those campaigns that I just couldn’t let go of, I’m delighted to have finally received a target date for construction.

“I don’t think that local users of the bridge ever cared too much about who was providing the solution, or funding it, as long as someone was.

“It’s been more than four years since the closure and the demolition of the previous bridge. By comparison 12 months doesn’t seem so far away.

“This is fantastic news for the local community, campaigners and businesses.”