Competitors tackle the rapids for Tay Descent Crowds lined the riverbanks to watch sporting spectacle

The spectacle of hundreds of small craft making their way down the river Tay in Perthshire on Saturday entertained crowds along the riverbank.

Now in its seventh year, the Tay Descent attracted water sports enthusiasts from across the country to enjoy the testing challenge on Scotland’s longest river.

They took to the water in a number of craft including canoes, kayaks and boards as they made their way towards the finishing point in Perth.

There were two different courses for those taking part – the 24-mile route from Dunkeld or a seven mile one from Stanley Mills.

One of the best vantage points was at the Dunkeld start point, with people down by the river and lining the bridge to give the participants an enthusiastic send off.

The longer course involved participants braving a number of rapids on the descent to Perth, with only one rapid to be negotiated on the shorter course.

Those who took part arrived cold and wet but exhilarated at having experienced an unusual viewpoint of Perthshire’s autumnal scenery.

“It was great to see people cheering us on when we arrived in Perth, it was a tough challenge,” said one competitor who completed the long course.

Once they were safely out of the river and dried off, those who took part headed for Perth College UHI for a prize-giving for the fastest descents and an opportunity to share their individual experiences.

“They were great conditions for the Tay Descent this year,” said a Scottish Canoe Association spokesperson.

“There was very little wind and it was moderately warm for the time of year.”

Pictures: Steve MacDougall/Cameron Cormack. Competitors at the final stretch of the event at Perth.

Enthusiasts could negotiate a route of 24 or seven miles during the event.