DRAMATIC IMAGES of a proposed multi-million pound bridge crossing the Tay at Perth have been unveiled.

The fate of the pedestrian and cycle crossing will be decided later this year in a public vote.

Designed as a scenic link between Perth and Scone, the bridge is one of six projects being considered for a £50m grant from the Big Lottery Fund’s Living Landmarks: The People’s Millions competition.

Celebrities have backed the campaign, and GMTV host Lorraine Kelly was in town last week to film the Perth segment of the televised vote show.

With Perth Bridge and Bridgend becoming increasingly choked with traffic, the route is designed to encourage people to cross the river in a more sedate and environmentally friendly manner, while making the surrounding countryside more accessible.

The campaign’s official launch will take place next Thursday.

Perth and Kinross Council said, “The proposed new bridge will be part of a national ITV show being screened this December in which various projects will compete for £50m of lottery money.

“The public will be asked to phone in to vote for their favourite scheme, and so Perth and Kinross residents will have a crucial say in whether the new bridge gets the go-ahead.”

The spokesman continued, “The new bridge would connect the North Inch and North Muirton areas with Quarrymill and Scone for the first time ever.

“It would provide a convenient and quick route into Perth for people living on the Scone side of the river.

“People on the Perth side would have quick access to Kinnoull Hill, Quarrymill woodland park, Scone village, Scone Palace and the beautiful surrounding countryside.”

The launch event is set to feature children from North Muirton and Robert Douglas Memorial primary schools standing on opposite banks holding a rope bridge across the Tay.

It is hoped the symbolic move will illustrate just how the two communities will be brought together by the new bridge.

Emergency services will also be in attendance.

The local police launch boat will demonstrate just how difficult it is to cross the Tay at present, while Tayside fire and rescue service is hoping to spray an arc of water across the river.

Scone comedian and radio and television personality Fred McCauley has been invited to attend.

The key message will be just how important public support will be if the proposal is to get off the ground.