A Category A listed structure,[1] it spans the River Tay, connecting Perth, on the western side of the river, to Bridgend, on its eastern side, carrying both automotive and pedestrian traffic of West Bridge Street (the A85).

A subscription was started by James VI and several noblemen to help with the construction cost, but the king's death in 1625 suspended the scheme and a series of ferryboats were instead used.

[3] The replacement bridge was completed in October 1771,[4][5] which places it in the Georgian era (George Street, which leads up to the bridge from the city, was built at the same time);[6] however, its plaque states the year in which construction began, 1766, as its "built" date.

Funded by Thomas Hay, 9th Earl of Kinnoull, the government, and public subscription, the bridge was put to the test three years after its completion.

In February 1774, during a quick thaw, broken ice became wedged under the arches and created a natural dam.