The River Tay in this area has many of the features of a major river in its middle course, with a narrow flood plain confined within a substantial, steep-sided valley. The river is beginning to meander by this stage and there is some deposition of smaller stones and coarse gravel during periods of low water, but the flow is still usually fast enough to carry sand and finer material on downstream. Material deposited during periods of low water will soon be swept away again after periods of heavy rain or melting snow cause the speed and volume of the flow to increase. The twin settlements of Birnam on the west (left) bank and Dunkeld on the east bank are connected by Thomas Telford's famous bridge; built in 1809 to carry the Perth to Inverness road across the Tay - one of the most impressive bridges in the country at that time. This route is now by-passed by line of the the re-alligned A9 trunk road, which can be seen skirting the town above and to the left of centre. The main economic activities are mixed farming on the valley floors and more gentle slopes with forestry and rough grazing on the steeper slopes and the higher ground. Craigvean Forest on the far slopes is part of the Tay Forest Park, which extends along the Tay Valley to the north and west of Dunkeld. The river, spectacular scenery and extensive woodland and moorland areas account for the area also being popular with tourists, fishermen, ourdoor and field sports enthusiasts.
Created Date:August 20, 2005
Keywords:Dunkeld;Birnam;Tay;Thomas Telford;meander;deposition
City:Brinam Dunkeld
Province:Perthshire
Country:Scotland
Photographer:Ken Whitcombe
Position:Owner, Kenbarry Photography
Credit:Picture Research Solutions
Source:Kenbarry Photography
Copyright:Reproduction Fees apply to any use of this image. Credit must be acknowledged exactly as specified in any agreed reproduction
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