Hundreds of colourful canoes sped down the River Tay at Perth on Saturday in a new calendar event.
Locals and visitors stood by the riverbanks to watch Tay Descent participants from across the country. The event was part of celebrations to mark Perth 800 and coincides with Paddle 2010, an annual canoe and kayak show at Bell’s Sports Centre.
Competitors got 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.
Many of the 400 entrants were racing for glory, in the hope of taking home the silver quaich, but some chose to enjoy a leisurely paddle and admire the stunning autumnal scenery along the way on a glorious, sunny day.
Perth provost John Hulbert was waiting near the finish line, between Smeaton Bridge and the Queen’s Bridge. He congratulated everyone who participated in the event, which he said was a great boost to Perthshire.
“Hundreds of different types of craft took part and it was quite an amazing sight,” he said. “We hope the descent can become a regular event in our summer programme.”
Scottish Canoe Association chief executive Stuart Smith, said, “The great thing about the Tay Descent is that it attracts interest from a whole variety of canoeists, whether they are touring for fun or out to set a record time.
Tay Descent 2010 highlights from The Scottish Canoe Association on Vimeo.
“Combined with Paddle 2010, the annual canoe show, there was a whole weekend of entertainment for those with an interest in paddle sports.”
Dr Hulbert added, “We saw a couple of canoes capsize just at the finishing stretch between the bridges, and I was impressed at how quickly they were recovered. I spoke to one of the canoeists who capsized, and he told me the water was very cold. The understatement of the day, I expect.”