Shetland Coastal Character Assessment
The aim of the SCCA is to map Shetland coastal character types to inform marine and coastal planning.
The objectives of the SCCA are to:
- Identify and map different coastal character types at a local level
- Describe the key features and character of each area which relates to the experience of the place
- Identify any areas around the coast sensitive to onshore and/or offshore development
- Relate the study to other published documents such as the Shetland Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) and the Shetland Local Development Plan (LDP).
The second edition of the SCCA was published in 2021, reviewing and building on the first edition published in 2017.
Shetland’s Coastal Character
Shetland’s Coastal Character
Shetland’s seascape has been formed over millions of years and has created a diverse and unique environment which is valued highly by residents and visitors to the islands. It is an intrinsic part of island life economically and culturally.
The coasts of Shetland can be split broadly into two categories; inner and outer coast. Two seascape character types have been mapped at a regional level by SNH, which is low rocky island coasts and remote high cliffs. At a local level fourteen coastal character types (CCT) have been identified around the Shetland coastline with a further four sub types. There are also numerous features such as stacks and tombolos which add to Shetland’s coastal character
Coastal Values
Coastal Values
A series of Shetland wide surveys were distributed to capture people’s opinions on the value and use of different areas of the Shetland coastline and how it makes people feel.
The results of the questionnaires have been collated into a report ‘Understanding community value and use of the Shetland coastline 2021. The report will support the Shetland Island’s Regional Marine Plan through providing evidence of Cultural Ecosystem Services within the Shetland Marine Region. CES covers a vast range of services both tangible and intangible. Often CES do not have a direct monetary value making it difficult to quantify, meaning it can get left out of the decision-making process.
More information can be found on the Coastal Values page.
