Exhibition shows coastal threat

In pictures: Coastal images

A photographic exhibition which aims to highlight the plight of Scotland's threatened coastlines is opening.

The event, organised by Scape (Scottish Coastal Archaeology and the Problem of Erosion), features award-winning images taken by members of the public.

Earlier this year Scape, which is based at St Andrews University, staged the Capturing the Coastline competition .

The exhibition is going on display at the headquarters of the National Trust for Scotland in Edinburgh.

Historiographer Royal in Scotland, Professor Christopher Smout, will join renowned photographer Colin Prior and Environment Minister Michael Russell to launch the event.

'Preserving Scotland'

Professor Smout, who will also chair Scape, said: "These lovely pictures show what the coast means to us.

"It is tragic that so much of the archaeology, which can tell us how our ancestors lived in this environment, is now at serious risk of destruction from increasing storms and sea level change.

"The archaeological sites are like a book that is being torn away page by page unread."

Children and adults took part in the competition, with Simon Powis from Tayport taking the prize for over-16s.

Play a part

The winning junior effort, by Joe Niven from Unst, was awarded £500 worth of prizes.

After its initial showing at the National Trust for Scotland, the exhibition will visit a range of venues, including the Scottish Parliament and the Gateway in St Andrews over the coming year.

Mr Russell said it was important for everyone to play their part in preserving Scotland's coastline.

He added: "I have spent much of my life living in site of the sea and, for me, Scotland's coastline is infinitely varied, fascinating, in all conditions and weathers, yet also now, in many places, fragile and at risk."