Ambitious plans to make more of the River Tay at Perth as a tourist attraction have taken a step forward.
Plans have been lodged on behalf of Perth and Kinross Council for pontoons at key points on the river to allow people to enjoy cruising downstream from the city.
The initial applications are for three pontoons at the Fergusson Galley on Tay Street; near the Willowgate fishery under the Friarton Bridge; and at Elcho Castle at Rhynd.
The application says that the inner Tay estuary and its coastline is “potentially a major asset” but the stretch south of Perth is “little appreciated or used by the public”.
It goes on: “This project will make a significant contribution to improving the access, increasing visitors to the area and in creating employment.”
The council yesterday explained the background to the plan saying: “The Inner Tay Masterplan has been developed by Perth and Kinross Council and a number of our partner organisations.
“The major aim of the masterplan is to create a sustainable inner Tay area, which is beautiful and vibrant and where regeneration works and growth opportunities allow for the potential of the area to be maximised to the benefit of the local people and economy it surrounds.
“The Perth city plan also states that the River Tay has a central role to play in the regeneration of the area.
“The masterplan outlines a number of possible and realistic opportunities to regenerate the inner Tay area which, once implemented, could have an extremely positive impact on the local economy in terms of both job creation and boosting local tourism.
“Alongside this masterplan, other opportunities are being explored and this includes the proposed pontoons, which would tie in with other transport links to provide a range of transport choices to residents and visitors.
“It is proposed that, if approved, the pontoons would be run as a public/private partnership.
“The council is investigating investment opportunities to fund the development and to agree a management programme for the pontoons going forward if permission is granted by councillors.”
The spokesperson said that two new jobs would be created by the pontoons plan but there was also the potential for improved access to the river and an increase in footfall and visitor numbers to sustain employment in a number of other posts linked to projects on the Tay.
As a result, it could “sustain and support” the creation of 21.5 posts.