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Coastal Change
Recent storms have caused dramatic changes along Scotland’s coastline, with rising sea levels intensifying the risk.
A coastal scene
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projected in 2023 that global sea levels could rise by about a metre by the end of the century, but this may be an underestimate.

 

Several major ice sheets may be at or approaching irreversible tipping points, potentially leading to rapid disintegration and multi-metre sea level rise for centuries. Public awareness of this risk remains limited.

 

(Image credit: A MacDonald)
waves crashing over a sea wall
To address the growing challenge of sea level rise and coastal erosion, Scotland is adopting a new approach to coastal management. This shift is supported by initiatives such as the Coastal Change Adaptation Plan (CCAP) guidance (2023), the Coastal Change Adaptation Fund (CCAF), Dynamic Coast research and resources, and a knowledge exchange programme led by Verture.

 

(Image credit: Dynamic Coasts)
Danger sign at a beach

Coastal Change Adaptation Plan Guidance

Verture, in collaboration with the Scottish Government, Dynamic Coast, NatureScot, SEPA, and other experts, developed the CCAP guidance to help Scotland’s coastal Local Authorities manage their shorelines in the face of climate change. We work together to support the use of this guidance and promote best practice in coastal adaptation.
CCAP Guidance

Coastal Change Adaptation Fund

The Scottish Government’s Coastal Change Adaptation Fund (CCAF) provides capital funding to Local Authorities to trial innovative approaches to coastal management. The fund encourages knowledge-sharing through case studies and supports adaptive strategies—particularly those involving difficult decisions, managed realignment, and transformative change.

 

Since 2022-23, Scottish Local Authorities have received £11.7 million to develop and implement Coastal Change Adaptation Plans using nature-based approaches wherever possible. In 2025-26, funding will also support coastal monitoring efforts, with allocations set to be announced soon.

 

Verture plays a key role in this process, serving on the advisory group that assesses funding applications; and fostering knowledge exchange within the coastal management community.

Coastal Change Adaptation Fund

Knowledge Sharing Events

Effective adaptation relies on collaboration. Verture’s knowledge exchange events bring together coastal practitioners, communities, policymakers, scientists, and politicians to share expertise and strengthen collective resilience.

 

We host webinars in partnership with the Scottish Government, SEPA, and NatureScot, covering the latest science, policy developments, and CCAF-funded projects. These events, designed to inspire and inform, are available on the Verture Vimeo channel in the Coastal Change Showcase.

 

(Image credit: A Rennie)
Coastal Change Showcase
eroding coastline

Additional Resources

The latest science and the changes we are seeing at our coasts are happening fast. For those involved in managing Scotland’s coasts, we encourage active participation in the Knowledge Hub’s growing community of practice and the use of cutting-edge Dynamic Coast resources, including web-maps and the Coastal Erosion Reporter
A shoreline of rocks with water swirling around them