The River Tay Public Art Trail

The River Tay has been a prominent feature in the picturesque area of Perth for years and is the longest river in Scotland. It connects the area to places near and far and contributes to the beauty of the Perthshire countryside.

A visit to Perth is not complete without experiencing everything the River Tay has to offer, and walkers and art lovers alike will enjoy the River Tay Public Art Trail. The Sunbank House Hotel is situated on the east bank of the River Tay and is the perfect starting spot for a walk along the River Tay Public Art Trail.

What Is The River Tay Public Art Trail?

The River Tay Public Art Trail is a fairly new addition to Perth and is a beautiful walk through the countryside featuring sculptures and sights along the way. There are 22 different sculptures which sit alongside the two banks of the River Tay. The sculptures reflect the heritage and the rich history of the city of Perth and the River Tay. A lot of the pieces of art are standalone sculptures, while some are a series of designs that are carved into the embankment walkway wall.

All 22 sculptures on the River Tay Public Art Trail are unique and impressive in their own way. Our favourites include the ‘Millais’ Viewpoint’ which is a large picture frame located at one of John Everett Millais favourite viewing points. Millais was a Victorian painter who enjoyed everything Perth had to offer, and the sculpture beautifully frames the Kinnoull Kirkyard, which is where Millais’ wife was buried.

Another favourite is the beautiful, yet practical River Tay Themes by David Wilson which act as flood gates as well as a sculpture to marvel. The sheer size and scale of the barrier give you a sense of the massive power the River Tay has when the banks burst. The turbulence of the waters is reflected in the sculpture through jagged, fractured, sweeping images. All the sculptures on the River Tay Public Art Trail are numbered, but there is no need to follow in sequence when enjoying the trail, you are free to wander the beautiful area and discover the sculptures at your leisure.