Fair City to transform into a beach resort

journeys: Project to get people on to river will also feature boat trips and new pontoons

Trips along the Tay and the transformation of the Fair City into a beach resort are among the highlights of a summer project to promote the “under-used” river.

Boating on the Tay launches on Sunday June 25.

A joint project run by Perth and Kinross Council and the Tay and Earn Trust, it has been brought forward thanks to £700,000 from the Big Lottery’s Coastal Communities Fund.

It will include the installation of two seasonal pontoons – one near the Fergusson Gallery in Perth and the other at Willowgate Activity Centre under the Friarton Bridge.

Perth city centre will be transformed into a “beach in the city” resort from noon to 7pm, with buckets, spades, deckchairs, a surf machine, inflatable volleyball, table tennis and seaside fairground attractions, including a Punch and Judy show.

Organisers have also lined up taster sessions at Willowgate centre on the same day, from 10am to 7pm. People can try sit-on kayaking and canoeing, raft building or stand-up paddle boarding.

During the July to October boating season there will be three types of sightseeing trips available — Perth City Centre to Willowgate early morning and evening plus Willowgate to Elcho Castle sightseeing journeys.

Due to the tidal nature of the River Tay at Perth, the boat trips will operate during restricted hours.

Perth and Kinross Provost Dennis Melloy said: “The River Tay is a fantastic asset for the city but it is a massively under-used resource.

“The programme of boat trips offers a great opportunity for tourists and residents to view the city from a different perspective.”

David Clarke, chairman of the Tay and Earn Trust, added: “The River Tay is an important and unique asset for Perth and developing the infrastructure along the Inner Tay to improve access and attract visitors to the area is vital.

“I’m delighted the pontoons at Willowgate and Fergusson Gallery have now been installed.”

The River Tay is a fantastic asset for the city but it is a massively under-used resource

Picture: Steve MacDougall. The Willowgate Activity Centre under the Friarton Bridge will be the focus of boat trips and water activity as part of Boating on the Tay.