Coasts around Scotland
Scotland's spectacular and varied coastline makes up 8% of Europe's coast. Our coast has the highest cliffs and some of the largest sand dunes in the UK. We also have some large areas of mud flat and salt marsh, which provide habitats for millions of resident and visiting birds. Scotland's past climate and geology have controlled the development of our coast and greatly influenced its habitats, species, land use and development.
You can also read about Scotland's coastal habitats .
Find out more about coastal erosion and coastal development .
Scotland's varied coasts
Our spectacular coastline reflects contrasts in different rock types, glacial inheritance and changing sea levels.
Our coast's geological and glacial inheritance
Find out how geology and glaciers have shaped Scotland's coast.
Scotland's sea-level history
Changing sea levels have had a remarkable effect on our coastline. Find out more here.
Present and future sea levels
Find out what is happening to sea level at the moment and what's expected in the future.
Climate change at the coast
Our coast is particularly vulnerable to climate change, as it will experience the terrestrial changes and changes to marine processes