Fears for future of Ayrshire’s coastline
Experts warn rising sea levels pose real risk
Ayrshire’s coast could disappear over coming decades, environment experts have warned.
A report from Scottish Natural Heritage say rising sea levels could wash away popular areas - with Ayr, Prestwick, Troon and Girvan all in danger.
Environmentalists believe Prestwick Airport’s railway station and car park could potentially be “at risk in the long term”.
Mike Cantlay, chairman of SNH, said: “As part of our role protecting all of nature for all of Scotland, we conduct regular research into the long term future of Scotland’s natural environment.
“We have identified more than 100 locations in the west of Scotland that may be at greater flood risk due to rising tides over the next 50 years.
“Having this advance notice allows partners to work together to address potential issues and plan ahead for mays to mitigate these risks.”
Experts say steps can still be taken to stop the harm, with ideas put forward to realign rivers and estuaries to help flood defences.
Professor Des Thompson of SNH said: “There are risks, for sure, but there are opportunities to allow nature to help us cope with climate change.
“One such solution is through managed realignment of the coast. This allows natural features such as saltmarsh to act as coastal defence.”
Low- lying land around the Firth of Clyde is at highest risk, placing Ayrshire at the centre of any changes to the coastline.
Research warns that sea levels will rise by up to 0.47m by 2080. Further steps recommended include moving existing defences or buildings towards the land to create a coastal front better equipped to deal with rising sea levels.
James Curran, chairman of Climate Ready Clyde, said: “The report is a significant step forward in understanding the impacts of sea- level rise.
“It makes it clear that we must urgently increase efforts to reduce carbon emissions, whilst also making the challenging choices needed to adapt.”
The report looks specifically at higher sea levels during storm surges - but warns it does not consider the added impact on surface water on inlets to the Firth of Clyde, which “are likely to excacerbate the effects” and “increase the erosional trend”.