Coastal erosion
Coastal erosion is a naturally occurring process that affects, from time to time, much of Scotland’s coastline.
Coastal erosion is a naturally occurring process that affects, from time to time, much of Scotland’s coastline.
We have no statutory responsibility for coastal defence. But we’re often required to consent or comment on proposed coast protection works, or asked for guidance on how to manage erosion.
We took part in a Europe-wide assessment of coastal change in 2004. The EUROSION project categorised Scotland’s coast, summarising the nature of our coastline and also its stability and behaviour.
Scotland’s coast was classified as:
Most (75%) of our coast is broadly stable.
Of the remaining 25% of our coast:
Find out about coastal development and marine pollution.
A guide to managing coastal erosion in beach/dune systems: Natural Heritage Management