The North East Coastline of Scotland

Abstract

The coastline of Northeast Scotland in plan is determined by faults running close inshore to both North Sea and Moray Firth coasts. Three broad subdivisions can be identified where differences of lithology and orientation have created distinctive coastal scenery. The events of recurrent glaciation during the Pleistocene are much more pertinent to the soft coast geomorphology of Northeast Scotland. In terms of their current coastal dynamics, the beaches of Northeast Scotland can be subdivided into three groups. Within this developed region, the coastline has for the most part, remained relatively unaffected by intensive use. Shallow offshore gradients, potentially mobile surfaces, low quality soils and a tendency to poor drainage have preserved the dune and links areas from urban and industrial use. The broad planning strategy for future management might, therefore, appear to be that of preserving or maintaining the status quo whilst allowing local, well-managed developments to proceed, as long as they conform to a general regional plan for balanced coastal zone development.