The Aberdeenshire coast features a diverse range of coastal environments and plays a significant role in local and national economies. This varied landscape not only supports industries such as fishing, maritime, and offshore energy but also underpins a robust tourism sector. Historical sites and natural attractions draw visitors to the region, contributing alongside industry to make the Aberdeenshire coast an important asset in advancing regional development and providing employment across multiple sectors.
Aberdeenshire Council are preparing plans for the future of the coastline. We are adopting the National Coastal Change Adaptation Policy and developing a suite of Coastal Change Adaptation Plans (CCAP). These aim to understand current and future pressures, and opportunities, on the coast and provides policies and a direction of travel to support these systems and their communities sustainably. They highlight where and how we require to adapt approaches as conditions change.
This website has been developed to host information and support engagement around the Aberdeenshire CCAPs. Please browse through the links and documents to find out more.
Aberdeenshire Council, is developing a series of Coastal Change Adaptation Plans (CCAPs), which include an overarching Regional Plan for the entire Aberdeenshire coastline and more specific Local Plans for individual communities. As future climate pressures are uncertain, these plans are dynamic in nature, designed to evolve as new information becomes available, prompting regular reviews and updates.
The Regional CCAP is a comprehensive plan that outlines coastal flood and erosion risks across the entire Aberdeenshire coastline, identifying strategies for adaptation and prioritising areas for detailed Local CCAPs. It serves as a high-level framework that guides coastal change adaptation planning and integrates with local and national policies to support sustainable coastal development.
A Local CCAP focuses on specific communities within Aberdeenshire, providing a tailored approach to coastal adaptation that considers unique local conditions and needs. These plans are developed in conjunction with the Regional CCAP to ensure broader strategic goals align with community-specific actions.
The current stage in the CCAP process involves consolidating understanding of coastal risks and their impacts on communities and assets while promoting an ongoing framework for adaptation. The first publication of the CCAP sets the groundwork for further detailed assessments and community engagement in developing robust adaptation strategies.
The plans will be implemented through a framework that integrates them with statutory and non-statutory policies within Aberdeenshire’s Local Development Plan, ensuring alignment with sustainable land management practices. Delivery will involve proactive community engagement, risk assessments, and collaborative strategic planning to adapt to changing coastal conditions effectively.
