The River Tay in Perth is a “lost jewel in the crown” which, if used properly, could draw thousands more people to the Fair City, it has been claimed.
Sunday offered a possible taste of things to come as the “Boating on the Tay” event was held.
Scores of activities organised in and around the river included a beach complete with buckets, spades and deckchairs, along with a seaside Punch and Judy, fish n’ chips and music.
And local residents flocked to enjoy boat trips which set off from newly installed pontoons opposite the Fergusson Gallery and also at the Willowgate activity centre, near Friarton Bridge.
One of the organisations involved in the event described the River Tay as a “lost jewel in the crown” and said the river should now become a major tourist attraction for Perth.
Perth and Kinross Council is considering a water taxi scheme. Capitalising on the lure of the V&A, it would transport people to and from Dundee once the design museum is complete.
More than £700,000 has already been spent on installing the pontoons to aid boating and other water craft events. The council intends to build on the success of Boating on the Tay event with water tours being made available over the course of the summer.
The Tay and Earn Trust is working with Perth and Kinross Council and other partners to promote the regeneration and use of the city’s key waterway.
David Clarke, chairman of the trust, said: “The River Tay is an important and unique asset for Perth city but is sadly under used. It is the lost jewel in the crown for Perth.
“Developing the infrastructure along the inner Tay to improve access and attract visitors to the area is vital.”
He added: “The trust, in partnership with the council and Tay Salmon Fisheries, developed the Inner Tay Masterplan 2012-22. This provides a framework for regeneration development along the inner Tay.
“Some of the projects have included the development of the Willowgate riverside café and fishery, Willowgate activity centre, footpaths, pontoons, riverside bothies’ refurbishment and a park and ride.
“I am delighted that the activity centre is now open and it is a great resource for locals and visitors.”
Residents were able to try a host of activities at Willowgate, including sit-on kayaking, canoeing, raft building,stand-up paddle boarding, archery and bush craft.
