Introduction

This evening, I am reporting on the River Tay which ranks as Scotland’s longest river system.

Information on the River Tay

The Tay river system extend to 120m (193km). It’s course runs from source to sea passing through lochs Dochart and Tay. Catchment area is some 2400 sq miles. The name Tay is very ancient and may have an Indo-European root similar to the rivers Thames and Tyne in England. The name may mean to dissolve, to melt, to flow.

Bucolic Scene at Dunkeld

The Tay Valley has been associated with human development for thousands of years. There are stone circles and rock art dating back to prehistoric times. Also, Iron-Age crannogs (lake dwelling on stilts and islands) and more recently some enduring bridges. The latter includes the >200 year old Telford Bridge at Dunkeld. Historically, the river was used for trade and transport of goods. Nowadays the focus is on leisure activities such as white water rafting, water sports and fishing.

Canoe Slalom, Grandtully

Fishing at Dunkeld

Here is a link to a tour of Perthshire which connects with the Tay.

A note of caution: the river floods and has caused much damage to the city of Perth and other affected communities in the recent past.

This is the River Tay at Perth in central Scotland.

  Here is a fishing beat near Dalguise in Perthshire.

 This is the River Tay at Dunkeld. In middle distance is the 200 year old Telford Bridge which still carries a heavy traffic load today.

 This is Smeaton’s Bridge at Perth and dates from 1772.

River Tay at Dundee

More information

The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland includes sections on activities, sightseeing, islands, wildlife, prehistory and much more. ISBN is 978-1-9161 332-0-4. Also available via Kindle..