Coastal Communities Adaptation

A resource for Scottish coastal communities

Who does what

We have attempted to draw together information on who does what, but  we know that  there may be some inaccuracies or ambiguities. Let us know if you see something that isn't quite right, of if you feel anything is missing or unclear – email coastalcommunities@verture.org.uk

What is the community interest..?

Concern that pathway/coastal infrastructure is eroding and want to report it

Who to contact

  • Land owner
  • Local authority if they are the owner or it’s a core path

Who else can help

Use Dynamic Coast’s ‘Coastal Erosion Reporter’ tool via Dynamic Coast

What might happen as a result of taking action

Engineered defences, nature based approaches – regular maintenance

Concern about beached wrecks – hazards in relation to debris and pollution

Who to contact

  • The Coastguard
  • Pollution events to SEPA

Wanting to influence spatial planning in relation to coastal issues

Who to contact

  • Local Authority Planning Department

Who else can help

  • Planning Aid Scotland

What might happen as a result of taking action

Influence adaptation measures, inform selective property relocation,

Wanting to organise new community engagement on coastal flooding and erosion that is being experienced locally

Who to contact

  • Climate Action Hubs
  • Scottish Community Development Centre
  • Local Authority

Who else can help

  • Planning Aid Scotland
  • Verture
  • Adaptation Scotland

What might happen as a result of taking action

Local adaptation actions that are community-led. Increased awareness of the issue

Householder concerns about flooding of properties

Who to contact

  • Scottish Flood Forum
  • SEPA Floodline alert

Who else can help

  • Local flood resilience or community resilience groups
  • Emergency responders when flooding is experienced

What might happen as a result of taking action

Proactive steps taken to protect properties.

Support after a flood has been experienced

Concerns about coastal material deposition e.g. building or shifting sandbars, blocking of water outlets and flap valves etc.

Who to contact

  • SEPA
  • Scottish Water for blocking water outlets
  • Nature Scot

Finding out who is responsible for repairing existing coastal defences/structures

Who to contact

  • Local authority planning department/Flood Team

Who should I report immediate issues during the event of extreme weather? Eg sewage spills, power outage, erosion of buried waste

Who to contact

Who else can help

Coastal storm impacts including coastal erosion use ‘Coastal Erosion Reporter’ tool via Dynamic Coast

Wanting to understand how to protect sand dunes from erosion or wild fire

Who to contact

  • Local Ranger service
  • Nature Scot
  • Fire Service

Who else can help

See ‘Resources’ on Dynamic Coast - Resources

Wanting to understand how to prepare their community for extreme weather events such as flooding and storms

Who to contact

Contact Police Scotland if roads become impassible during a storm and they will coordinate the immediate safety aspect and liaise with Local Authorities

Who else can help

Scottish Flood Forum

Influence future development and set out aspirations for land use, housing, green spaces, infrastructure and local amenities by creating a Local Place Plan that is taken into account during the Preparation of Local Development Plans.

Who to contact

Local Place Plans can be produced by a community body. Guidance is available here Resources - Planning Aid Scotland

Who else can help

Planning Aid Scotland, Verture, SCDC

What might happen as a result of taking action

A local plan that has community support and which will inform Local Authority-led Local Development plans