The pontoons for Perth’s popular river trips were reinstalled yesterday in preparation for the boat rides along the Tay starting again next month.
The platforms were taken out of storage at Perth Harbour on Thursday morning and moved by crane into the water at Shore Road over the course of the day.
More than 1,200 people sailed down the Tay last year, enjoying trips from the Fergusson Gallery to the Willowgate Cafe beneath the Friarton Bridge, Elcho Castle and as far as Broughty Ferry.
Trips to Newburgh in Fife are being introduced this season.
Since the introduction of the boat rides in 2017, more than 3,000 people have ventured along the river.
The scheme is a partnership between Perth and Kinross Council and the Tay and Earn Trust.
Trips can be booked online and through the Willowgate Activity Centre.
Organisers said that the longer trips, particularly the voyages that pass the Kinnoull Hill tower, have proved most popular so far.
Carse of Gowrie Conservative councillor and environment and infrastructure convener Angus Forbes said he was delighted to see more people using the river.
He said: “Planning for the 2019 season is in progress at the moment, however with a second very successful year under our belts, which saw the options for travellers extended in response to public demand, we are looking forward to a third summer of boating on the Tay.
“Three hundred and eight five trips between May and September 2018 enabled 1,243 people to take to the water, enjoy the river’s sights and sounds and see Perth from a different angle.
“The popular Broughty Ferry to Perth return trips are once again planned and in 2019, visitors will be able to take a longer cruise down the river towards Newburgh from Willowgate.”
Mr Forbes added: “The river is an important element of the Perth City Development Plan, and I am delighted that this scheme is continuing to prove popular with local people and tourists alike.”
The council and the trust are currently working to finalise the timings of the voyages.
More details on booking trips can be found at perthcity.co.uk
