The policy context
The policy context for Coastal Adaptation in Scotland
and cooThere are a range of policies and legislative drivers that relate to coastal adaptation and what this means for communities.
Legislation
Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 – places duties on the public sector to cut carbon emissions and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change (adaptation.) It requires a publich engagement strategy to be published.
Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 – requires local authorities to prepare flood risk management plans (FRMPs). SEPA and the Flooding Department of Local Authorities must engage in consultation exercise for FRMPs
The Coastal Protection Act 1949 – grants Local Authorities the power to carry out coastal protection works to prevent coastal erosion.
Planning Scotland Act 2019 – allows communities to develop Local Place Plans that feed into Local Development Plans that are created by Local Authorities.
National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) - sets policy priorities that Local Authorities are required to support. Planning requirements at the coast encourages nature-based solutions with a presumption against new defences.
Policies and Guidance
Under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, an adaptation plan must be published every 5 years in response to the UK Climate Change Committee’s independent assessment of climate risks in the UK. The most recent is the Third Scottish National Adaptation Plan (SNAP3). This:
- Encourages the use of nature-based solutions for resilience, partnership working and taking a place-based approach to adaptation
- Commits to identifying the most efficient and effective way to establish a national coastal monitoring programme
Coastal Change Adaptation Plans (CCAPs)
- Scottish coastal Local authorities are expected to produce a CCAP to set out how they will manage the coast as sea levels and erosion rate increases
- All levels and sectors of government and businesses with land responsibilities for any people, assets or land near the coast must support LAs to develop and implement CCAPs
-
Find out more about CCAPs, case studies, guidance and wider resources on Dynamic Coast.
Scottish Government Coastal Change Adaptation Plan Guidance published to support local authorities in planning for future coastal climate impacts. Aims to strengthen long term resilience of coastal communities
Why are Coastal Change Adaptation Plans needed?
- Coastal areas face increasing risks from sea-level rise, flooding, erosion and erosion enhanced flooding
- Proactive adaptation reduces long‑term costs and constraints
- Helps local authorities and communities plan effectively for future climate impacts
- Supported by Scottish Government CCAP Guidance to strengthen statutory coastal planning
- Ensures long‑term resilience of coastal communities
Where has CCAP guidance been applied in Scotland?
- CCAPs are starting to become more embeddedpractice with the majority of coastal Local Authorities
Below: Coastal Change Adaptation Plans by Scottish local authority (May 2026)
Organisations with statutory roles
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are required to produce National Flood Risk Assessments although are not required to assess or manage coastal erosion.
SEPA’s risk management strategies prioritise sustainable approaches and working with natural processes.
Local authorities have responsibility for delivering flood protection actions as required by local-level plans.
Public involvement in decision making and social ecological system valuation are also important parts of Scotland’s approach to flooding and coastal erosion management.
