Musselburgh Coastal Change Assessment report available to view

The outline design of a scheme to protect Musselburgh from major flood risk was presented to elected members at the full meeting of East Lothian Council on Tuesday 23 January 2024.

At the meeting The Musselburgh Flood Protection team presented an update on the Musselburgh Coastal Change Assessment undertaken by Dynamic Coast, including an Executive Summary. It was confirmed that the full final report would be made available to the public when finalised. 

Dynamic Coast aim to provide strategic evidence based on the extent of coastal erosion in Scotland. They were formally commissioned by East Lothian Council in 2023 to undertake a detailed analysis of the coastal change in Musselburgh, and to consider the risk of future changes in shoreline due to projected sea level rise associated with climate change.

The Musselburgh Coastal Change Assessment was undertaken by Dynamic Coast and the University of Glasgow in partnership. This assessment provides a review of recent and future coastal changes under a range of climate change scenarios. It aims to inform the East Lothian Council’s works as part of the Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme as well as the council’s wider Planning and Climate Change duties.

East Lothian Council Leader, Norman Hampshire, said: “Both East Lothian Council and the Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme’s project team are committed to ensure that all appropriate details concerning the proposed scheme, including the factual evidence gathered that guides its development, are available for all to access.

“Following the presentation of the outline design to full Council in January, approval was given to move to the formal, statutory approval process, which will begin in March, providing an opportunity for the community to view and comment upon the proposals."

The Musselburgh Coastal Change Assessment is available to download at: https://www.musselburghfloodprotection.com/dynamiccoast-musselburghcoastalchangeassessment/

In addition, later this year East Lothian Council plans to update their Shoreline Management Plan with a Coastal Change Adaption Plan in line with current Scottish Government Guidance.