Fife SMP2: Recent Developments In Shoreline Management For Scotland

Coastal development pressures have existed around Fife since pre-Victorian times. Picturesque fishing villages, golf courses and agricultural land sit alongside the larger settlements of Kirkcaldy Leven and St Andrews. Power stations, mainline railways and former coal mines reflect a modern industrial heritage. Recently, coastal areas have been protected with significant areas of designated habitat around Fife. In future, climate change and sea level rise will increase the impact of coastal erosion and flooding on these assets and the coastal community.

The preparation of a Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) is seen as good practice as it sets the policy for coastal flood and erosion risk management. The SMP helps us understand change in this dynamic environment. It provides initial justification for sustainable high level policies for land use planning and coastal defence expenditure along this 180km shoreline.