Western Isles coastal erosion action

Fishing nets will be used to reduce the impact of climate changes on South Uist. The decision was made at a meeting where a range of organisations discussed solutions to South Uist’s eroding coastline.

Present at the meeting were local resident and crofter Seumas MacDonald, David Muir of Coastal Adapt, local councillor Gerry MacLeod, Western Isles Council community co-ordinator Mairi Campbell and Oxfam Scotland’s Caluna Campbell, Jim Boyle and rosie McIntosh.

Scientists predict that sea levels could rise by 37cm by 2080, leaving some areas of the island under water. The use of fishing nets to anchor sand dunes until marram grass can take hold will be piloted at a five-mile stretch at Kilphedar, which is the most vulnerable area in the Western Isles.

Old nets, which can no longer be used for fishing, are readily available and the idea has been tried successfully in other areas of the island as well as on Barra and Vatersay.

“Homes and crofts”

Oxfam Scotland has been working with the community in South Uist since the charity held a climate hearing on the island in November 2009. Since then, solutions have been discussed at a series of meetings involving more than 50 members of the community and several local organisations.

There will be another meeting on September 13, where involved organisations will meet with crofters and other community members to finalise plans for the use of fishing nets as coastal barriers.

Local MSP Alasdair Allan said: “I am pleased to hear that the community is making some progress on this important matter. There is no doubt that Kilphedar is one of the areas of Uist most vulnerable to coastal erosion, as was seen not only in the 2005 storm, but since then.

“I welcome the cooperation between the community, Oxfam and local agencies to bring about practical measures to stabilise the dunes in this area in this way. While nobody would suggest this is the answer to all of South Uist’s coastal erosion problems, I am glad to see that this positive step is being taken.”

Caluna Campbell, who is a Campaigner with Oxfam Scotland and is originally from South Uist said: “This is a real positive step. We are all worried that people may lose their homes and crofts, but this is a chance for the community to make a difference.”

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