Eroding Archaeology at the Coast: How a Global Problem is being Managed in Scotland, with Examples from the Western Isles

Abstract

Many thousands of archaeological sites are threatened by coastal erosion around the globe. The problem is particularly grave in Scotland, where a number of management strategies have been developed. Much of this work has been undertaken by Historic Scotland working in partnership with the SCAPE Trust and the University of St Andrews. This paper outlines the scale of the problem presented by coastal erosion, using recent work in the Western Isles to provide examples. It shows how action has developed over the years, with heritage managers often requiring a different approach to other coastal managers. The effectiveness of desk-based assessment and coastal survey is reviewed, and the results of two desk-based assessments in areas that were subsequently surveyed are analyzed. The paper outlines how prioritized lists of sites requiring future action have been produced and describes the important role that community groups can play in heritage management, giving examples of practical projects that include the community excavation of a site threatened with destruction.

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