The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Leisure boating trips to become regular sight on River Tay
First phase of ambitious plan included seaside-themed taster sessions
A maritime training charity has struck a deal to launch boat trips on the “massively under-used” River Tay.
It is the first phase of an ambitious plan to transform the waterway into a bustling thoroughfare between Tayside’s biggest cities.
A limited number of taster sessions were offered as part of a seaside-theme fun day in Perth at the weekend.
Now Taymara – Tay Maritime Action – has teamed up with Perth and Kinross Council and the Tay and Earn Trust to offer regular boating trips between now and October. The trips, which leave new pontoons at Willowgate, near the Friarton Bridge, and Tay Street, by the Fergusson Gallery in the city centre, sail past Elcho Castle and Kinnoull Hill.
The scheme is aimed at promoting the regeneration of the Fair City’s key waterway and is expected to bring in tourists from near and far.
The long-term aim is to offer regular water taxi services and leisure cruises between Perth and the new V&A in Dundee.
The project has been launched thanks to £700,000 of funding from the Big Lottery’s Coastal Communities Fund.
Work began on the new pontoons last summer.
Award-winning marine moorings specialist Gael Force was appointed to design and install the berths.
The council had originally wanted to create a third pontoon at Elcho Castle, but an agreement could not be reached.
David Clarke, chairman of the Tay and Earn Trust, said: “The River Tay is an important and unique asset for Perth city and developing the infrastructure along the inner Tay to improve access and attract visitors to the area is vital.
“I am delighted that the pontoons at Willowgate and Fergusson Gallery have now been installed. Overnight day moorings are available at the Willowgate pontoon.”
Due to tide times, boating trips need to operate during restricted hours and will be weather dependent.
A special “back to nature” early river trips will depart on occasional Sunday mornings.
The pontoons represent the first major project to be carried out as part of the Perth City Plan, a vision of improvements to be rolled out over the next 20 years.