In September 1994 HR Wallingford was commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage, SNH, and Western Isles Islands Council, WIIC, to carry out a study relating to an apparent recent increase in the rate and extent of coastal erosion affecting the Western Isles. To determine the extent and causes of coastal erosion, a visual survey was conducted of the beaches of the Western Isles during October 1994. This survey covered areas of coastline in nine of the twelve permanently inhabited islands of the Western Isles. The islands surveyed were Lewis, Harris, Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay.
The report:
1. Includes a brief description of the physical characteristic of the Isles, the geology, the hydraulic and wind climate and the beach and immediate hinterland characteristics. It describes and provides maps of the Atlantic coast of the Western Isles distinguishing erosional coastlines from those which are stable and those which are accretionary, estimating where possible rates of erosion or accretion. The survey includes areas of dune or machair subject to blow-out or deflation.
2. Describes the concept of coastal "cells", "sub-cells" and "management units" which are used within the report to break up the coastline into smaller, more manageable lengths of coastline.
3. Identifies the causes of coastal erosion in the Western Isles distinguishing natural from anthropogenic factors and where possible, indicates the relative influence of each.
4. Identifies areas in which coastal development or human interference with natural processes is causing or contributing to coastal erosion and makes recommendations for the appropriate management action required to reduce or prevent this impact.
5. Briefly reviews the effectiveness and environmental effects of current coastal protection schemes in the Western Isles.
6. Outlines the use of Shoreline Management Plans in future coastal management schemes.
