UK--Scotland

Abstract

The long Scottish coastline* may be divided into several sections which are defined by a combination of structural and marine energy factors. There are 3 great firths; all of which are the outlets of major rivers, the Clyde, Forth, and Tay. Two other major triangular-shaped inlets cut deeply into the mainland; in the northeast, the Moray Firth and in the extreme southwest the Solway Firth. The areas between these major indentations consist of the sea loch (fiord) coast of the west with its deeply dissected plateaux near the coast, long inlets, numerous islands, and raised beach remnants. This is a high coast of glaciated psuedo-cliffs. There are few beaches and these tend to be small and widely dispersed. Protected by the Hebrides and the bulk of Ireland it is a sheltered coast although a few short sections experience full Atlantic fetches with consequently higher energy levels. Settlement and communications are sparse and there is little modification of the natural coastline.