Scotland's varied coasts

Hard-rock cliffs

Parts of Scotland's coastline are dominated by hard-rock cliffs. These are not only scenically spectacular, but are also important habitats for resident and visiting bird populations.

Although the UK's tallest cliffs are on St Kilda, standing 430m high, there are many other spectacular examples which are more accessible. All four corners of Scotland have hard-rock cliffs.  

Some of Scotland's most impressive hard-rock cliffs are found at:  Villians of Hamnavoe (Shetland), West Coast of Orkney, Duncansby Head (Caithness), Tarbat Ness (Easter Ross), North Islay (Argyl & Bute), Bullers of Buchan (Aberdeenshire), Dunbar (East Lothian) and St Abbs Head (Berwickshire)

Soft-rock cliffs

Scotland has very few examples of soft-rock cliffs. This relates to our geological and glacial inheritance.  Where present, Scottish soft-rock cliffs tend to be readily erodible glacial deposits. Some examples can be found on the Pennan coast (east of Fraserburgh) and Nigg Bay south of Aberdeen. 

Gravel beaches & spits

Scotland has some impressive gravel beaches.

Spey Bay on the Moray coast is one of the most important gravel  beaches in the UK. Extensive gravel beaches started to be formed here 6500 years ago, leaving a remarkable staircase of emerged ridges extending inland from the present beach. Coastal processes continue at Spey Bay, as the river delivers 6,400m³  of sand and gravel annually on to the beach, which is washed westwards towards Lossiemouth at 30 metres per year.

Some of our best examples of gravel beaches are found at: Spey Bay and Whiteness Head on the Moray Firth and the West Coast of Jura.

Spits are some of our most dynamic coastal landforms. Longshore drift carries sediment along the beach due to dominant oblique waves. The Flying Bar at Culbin is extending west at 15 metres per year and the Spit at Whiteness Head (also on the Moray coast) is extending at 30 metres per year .

Sandy beaches and dunes

Scotland has a wealth of beaches and dunes and much of the UK's sand dune habitat is found in Scotland. Some of our largest beaches are on the coasts of Aberdeenshire, Moray and the Western Isles. But you are rarely very far away from a beach.

Many of our present beaches and dunes have formed during the last 4000 years or so. They have been shaped by waves, currents, the wind and increasingly by human activity. Periodically, these dynamic landforms and habitats change their shape and form.

Machair

Machair is a type of sand dune habitat which is made up of sand with a high shell content. It is famed for its species rich ecology which cause a blaze of colour dueing summer months. It's strong-hold are on Scottish western and northern isles, but it can be found further afield.

For more information on Machair, click on the related link.

Saltmarshes

Saltmarshes are vegetated parts of the upper intertidal area found on  our enclosed shores. As such, they are sheltered from strong wave action and are dominated by tidal processes.

Scottish saltmarshes make up 15% of the total British resource, and unlike saltmarshes elsewhere, they are commonly grazed, lack large amounts of sediment input and have a complete transition from halotrophic (salt-loving) to terrestrial vegetation.

The largest areas of saltmarsh in Scotland are located in two main areas: the Solway Firth and the Moray Firth.

For more information on saltmarsh habitats, click on the related link.