Coastal towns at risk from rising seas

● Report shows popular seaside spots and Clyde nuclear base are in danger

Homes, businesses and travel routes on Scotland’s west coast could end up underwater due to a predicted sea-level rise of nearly half a metre in the next 50 years, a new report warns.

Rothesay, Ayr, Campbeltown and Troon are just some of the seaside towns at risk, as well as the Trident nuclear weapons base near Helensburgh and the train station at Prestwick airport. Internationally important coastal wildlife havens could also be lost.

Meteorologists predict that climate change will drive a 47cm rise in sea level around the Firth of Clyde by 2080.

Now a new study by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has highlighted the threat posed to vulnerable habitats, coastal communities and infrastructure from raised water levels and storm surges.

The report identifies more than 100 developed areas, designated sites, roads and railways where action should be taken to avoid the most serious impacts of encroaching tides.

Communities that could be in danger include Greenock, Gourock, Campbeltown, Lochgilphead, Dunoon, Faslane, Inverkip, Largs, Stevenson, Irvine, Troon, Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Rothesay and Kelburn.

Nature sites, including mudflats and saltmarshes in the Inner Clyde Special Protection Area, could also suffer.

The report also considers measures known as “managed realignment” – a technique that involves allowing rivers or seas to extend beyond current flood defences.

“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,” said Mike Cantlay, chair of SNH.

“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 ways to mitigate these risks.”

Professor Des Thompson, principal adviser on biodiversity for SNH, added: “We know that rising sea levels and changing rainfall patterns and intensities are likely to increasingly affect nature and society.

“This work forewarns us and helps us plan for these possible changes.”