River Tay, Perthshire
The Tay has its source on the slopes of Ben Lui, only 20 miles from the town of Oban on the west coast of Scotland. On its way through the centre of Scotland the Tay passes the towns of Perth and Kinross . In the upper catchment area the Tay is known by several different names. The first stretch of the river is the River Connonish, then it is the Fillan and subsequently the River Dochart in the area before it flows into Loch Tay at Killin .
The river exits Loch Tay at Kenmore and flows on to Perth, historically the lowest crossing point of the river. On leaving Loch Tay at Kenmore, the river receives the tributaries Lyon, Earn. It also receives the outfall from the Tummel-Garry Hydroelectric Scheme, which helps control flooding of the river. Downstream from Perth the river is tidal at the point before it enters the Firth of Tay. The city of Dundee , the largest along the Tay, sits on the north bank of the Firth of Tay .
The river flows through breathtaking scenery along its course, making it a popular tourist attraction. It is very famous among fishermen as it provides a great variety of fish, conditions and scenery. It is synonymous with salmon fishing but brown trout, rainbow trout and course fish are also found in abundance.
The river also provides sport for canoeists and offers everything from flat touring to white-water to suit all levels of experience and ability. There is a national slalom site at the Grandtully rapids.
The Tay is notorious for the Tay Bridge disaster . On December 28, 1879 the 19th century railway bridge across the Tay at the Firth of Dundee collapsed as a train passed over it. The entire train dropped down into the Firth and 75 passengers and train crew were lost. The rail bridge was rebuilt and in 1960 a road bridge was constructed nearby.
More British Natural features?
Other Perthshire Naturals
Ochil Hills
Loch Tay
The Trossachs
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