A NEW map has revealed Scottish beauty spots that are at risk of being submerged by rising sea levels as a result of global warming.
The map shows key areas that are at severe risk of erosion and beach loss by 2050 and was produced through a meticulous study of Scotland's coasts by the University of Glasgow.
A Scotland-wide analysis of coastal erosion risk was undertaken by researchers at the university that included identifying more than 10 coastal sites that will soon shrink dramatically through the impacts of sea-level rise, strong wave action, and coastal flooding.
Along with the map, dramatic images of what popular spots on Scotland's coasts could look like in a few hundred years have also been created to show what the true impacts of climate change would be if action is not taken.
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The map was commissioned by the outdoor brand Vango and features some of Scotland's most beautiful wild camping spots including Golspie Links in the Highlands, Lunan Bay in Angus, the unique beaches of South Coll and the idyllic inlets on the Caithness coast.
It is estimated that all of the featured locations will be under increased threat from rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions by 2050.
The map shows 10 sites that are at risk of being submerged underwater due to rising sea levels and coastal erosion
Larissa Naylor, professor of geomorphology and environmental geography at the University of Glasgow, said: “Even with Net Zero our sea levels will continue to rise and continue to erode key coastal assets like wild camping beaches and critical transport infrastructure. It is thus imperative that we act now to, in the first instance, achieve Net Zero (and beyond) rapidly and secondly, adapt society to better live with coastal climate change impacts like flooding and erosion.”
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As part of its ongoing commitment to advance sustainability and raise awareness around issues of land erosion driven by climate change, Vango also revealed computer-generated images that imagine a sunken world beyond the year 2300.
They feature a campsite and Castle Tioram which is currently accessed at low tide but is anticipated to be inaccessible from land by 2100.
Mark Beaumont, a Scottish ultra adventure athlete who holds the Guinness World record for cycling around the world is a supporter for climate action, as well as being a long-standing ambassador for Vango.
He said: “This map is a stark warning that the issue of climate change, and its impact on our precious outdoors, is very real. 2050 is not so far away, especially when I think of the lifetimes of my children and how they can enjoy the great outdoors. So I would encourage people to get out to these incredible sites - see them, appreciate them and understand that unless we take collective action, they could soon disappear.”
The 10 sites are:
- St Combs To Rattray Head, Northeast Coast
- Lunan Bay, Angus
- South Coll, Isle of Coll
- Loch Na Keal, Isle of Mull
- Machrihanish, Campbeltown
- Machair Leathan, North Uist
- Mersehead Sands, Dumfries and Galloway
- Golspie, Highlands
- Melvich Bay, Highlands
- Lossiemouth East, Moray
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