Orkney is on the frontline of climate change in Scotland, particularly in low lying and soft coastal areas. Orkney Islands Council wishes to improve organisational and public understanding of the likely effects of climate change on life throughout the islands. All of the Orkney shoreline will be affected in time but a number of communities and essential transport links have been identified during the development of Local Flood Risk Management Strategies and Plans as being already vulnerable to coastal change, related to climate change.
It is proposed that, taking new SEPA coastal flood mapping and Dynamic Coast data as primary data sources, the embedded researcher would develop a set of detailed scenarios representing the medium (2050), long (2080) and very long term (2300) effects of coastal change be developed for each of the sites identified (listed below).
The researcher would then lead public consultation on each of the developed sets of scenarios within the affected communities. The objectives would be to increase awareness of the predicted impacts of climate change and to seek views on possible adaptations to each scenario. Consultation would ideally be in person although virtual or hybrid formats may be necessary due to Covid restrictions.
The sites identified as vulnerable to coastal change are: A960 at Dingieshowe, Burray Village, Graemeshall, Kirkwall, Little Ayre (North Walls), Pierowall, Sanday, St Margaret’s Hope, St Mary’s, Stromness, The Ayre (Hoy and South Walls) and Stronsay (including Whitehall).
It would be possible to augment existing data sources with survey and record data and modelling of further scenarios may be possible to assist with engagement.
Commencing in November 2021, the researcher would be embedded in the Engineering section of the council (responsible for Flood Authority duties) but would liaise closely with officers with climate change related duties including Marine Planning.