Firth of Tay

The Firth of Tay is a tidal estuary on Scotland's east coast, where the River Tay widens before meeting the North Sea. Dundee stands on its northern shore, and the narrowing entrance is guarded by the headland at Broughty Ferry. Dundee was already an important trading port in the fourteenth century, though storms and silt threatened its harbour. In 1447 James II allowed dues to be levied on ships entering the port to pay for repairs, a measure reflecting the continuing work needed to keep its trade afloat.