Visitors from Dundee will soon be able to take the scenic river route to Perth thanks to a new venture.
A long-held dream has been to make more use of the “forgotten asset” — the River Tay — and a new boat service from Dundee will allow visitors a different perspective on the 22-mile trip.
The announcement is the culmination of efforts to use the river more as part of a drive to establish Perth as a major tourist destination.
The imminent opening of the V&A at Dundee had fuelled the desire to create links between the two cities.
Earlier this year Perth and Kinross Council and the Tay and Earn Trust launched a programme of boat trips leaving from newly installed pontoons on the Tay at Perth.
The trips take visitors between the city pontoon, located beside the Fergusson Gallery, and one located near Willowgate Activity Centre. A separate trip also heads out from Willowgate to view Elcho Castle from the water.
Now during August and September there will be the opportunity to catch the Missel Thrush motor cruiser from Broughty Ferry Harbour to Willowgate.
The trips are one way and the boat trippers can then take a short journey walking alongside the river into the centre of Perth to catch a bus or train back to Dundee.
David Clarke, chairman of the Tay and Earn Trust said the service offered “a new and exciting way to arrive in Perth”.
“The Trust has been working in partnership with Tay Salmon Fisheries, Perth and Kinross Council, and others to help regenerate the River Tay and increase access and visitor numbers to the river,” he said.
The pontoons are part of a project between the council and the Tay and Earn Trust to promote the regeneration and usage of the city’s key waterway, made possible by £700,000 of funding from the Big Lottery’s Coastal Communities Fund.
Provost Dennis Melloy said: “The River Tay flows between the cities of Perth and Dundee, providing a natural connection with our neighbours to the east.
“I’m really pleased that visitors from Dundee will now be able to take advantage of our new pontoons for a day trip to Perth with a difference.”
For the boat trip timetable, and to book, visit www.perthcity.co.uk.
