A plaque on the bridge itself at its western end states that the building of Perth Bridge was started in 1766, following a proposal tabled in 1760, by the 9th Earl of Kinnoull in his capacity as Lord Provost William Stewart.
John Smeaton an accomplished architect was appointed. Smeaton had built a varied number of projects including harbours and lighthouses such as the Eddystone Lighthouse. The bridge is often called Smeaton’s Bridge.
The bridge opened in 1771. In 1869 pavements were added, outside the main supports of the bridge.
On the north side of the westmost pillar are flood level marks dating back to 1814.
