A series of six metal plaques are set on the top of the riverside flood wall on Tay Street, just north of the viewing platform. The plaques were funded by the Guildry Incorporation and describe various elements of the civic history of Perth.
The first plaque records the visit of James VI in April 1601, before he became King of the United Kingdom. It records how much he was made welcome with ‘much wine’ and ‘a banquet’ but this was less than a year since an attempt had been made on his life while he resided at Gowrie House in August 1600.
The second plaque deals with the previous bridges of Perth which were destroyed by the river and gives details of the current bridge. The plaque also outlines the extent of the Guildry’s responsibility for the bridges.
Plaque number 3 sets out the reasons why Perth was built where it is, showing a view of Perth in 1665.
Prior to the building of the Smeaton bridge, Perth was without a bridge between 1621 and 1771. Plaque 4 plaque describes the crossing the river by ferry. A gravestone in Kinnoull graveyard reflects the obvious importance of ferrymen.
Although Perth currently retains a harbour, the port of Perth was more important to the town in earlier times. Plaque number 5 deals with the port of Perth showing an illustration of its appearance in 1790.
Plaque 6 looks at the Tollbooth which stood at the bottom of the High Street. It was built in1666 and demolished in1878. The Tollbooth was the equivalent of to-day’s Council Offices with the main difference being it had a prison attached.
