Around 400 canoeists are expected to descend on Perth via the River Tay this weekend as they take part in a new event.
Locals and visitors alike will be treated to the sight of hundreds of kayaks and Canadian canoes racing into the Fair City under Smeaton Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
The colourful Tay Descent event has been formed as part of celebrations to mark Perth 800 and coincides with Paddle 2010, an annual canoe and kayak show held at Bell’s Sports Centre, which attracts thousands more enthusiasts.
Participants will be able to choose from three courses of varying difficulty a five-mile paddle from Luncarty, a nine-mile jaunt from Burnmouth or the longer 23-mile descent from Dunkeld.
Although there will be accomplished canoeists racing each other for glory, there will also be those who will enjoy a leisurely paddle as they admire the stunning scenery along the way.
Timing is available for all participants, with a prize of a silver quaich being presented by the provost of Perth and Kinross, Dr John Hulbert, to the person with the fastest time.
Dr Hulbert said, “This will be a fantastic event, and is one of the major sporting attractions of the Perth 800 programme.
“Hundreds of different types of craft will take part and it promises to be quite an amazing sight as all the canoeists arrive in Perth.
“We hope the descent can become a regular event in our summer programme.
Tay Descent – a Tour and a Race – 23 Oct 2010 from Scottish Canoe Association on Vimeo.
“I look forward to welcoming canoeists from all over the UK for this unique event, as participants will be coming from as far afield as the south of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
“I would urge residents and supporters of people taking part to line the route and cheer them on their way.”
The majority of canoeists are expected to cross the finishing line between Smeaton Bridge and Queen’s Bridge from 1.45pm, although the fun will continue well into the night.
A ceilidh and prize-giving ceremony will take place in the evening, which every Tay Descent participant is invited to attend.
Scottish Canoe Association chief executive Stuart Smith, said, “The great thing about the Tay Descent is that it has attracted interest from a whole variety of canoeists whether they are touring for fun or out to set a record time.
“Combined with Paddle 2010, the annual canoe show, there’s a whole weekend of entertainment for those with an interest in paddle sports.
“This promises to be a real highlight in the 2010 Scottish canoeing calendar, and I’m sure the people of Perthshire will be out in force supporting all the participants from the riverbanks.”