A MAJOR report has identified more than 300 Scottish sites of national and international historical important which are at most risk through climate change.
Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) Climate Change Risk Assessment Report also puts forward the next steps to managing the risk through in-depth assessment and investment.
The “at-risk” sites are all in the care of HES, which used 15th-century Blackness Castle, near Linlithgow, as one of its case studies.
“The fortress on the Firth of Forth has been determined to be at high risk from a number of natural hazards, including coastal erosion and flooding,” HES said.
“To protect against these hazards, HES has implemented the construction of a retaining shore-front wall to prevent damaging wave action.”
Information on those sites most at risk will be used to prioritise investment through conservation and maintenance programmes to manage the climate change risk they face.
Ewan Hyslop, head of technical research and science at HES, said: “This report places Scotland at the forefront of the global challenge to tackle climate change, as we lead the way in the adaptation of the historic environment by working with partners to share expertise and guidance with the wider sector to enhance resilience against current and future changes to our climate.”
Culture and Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop added: “Scotland is well known throughout the world for its rich cultural heritage and wealth of historic sites.
“This report is important because it’s vital that we understand the impact that climate change will have on these sites, and what steps we can take to protect them for future generations.”
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