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Scotland's Coasts and Waters

Celebrating Scotland’s Year of Coasts & Waters, this is the story of our coastal places. Most of Scotland borders the sea, its coast a ribbon more than 10,000 miles long that defines our enduring relationship with the oceans.

  • Exhibition

    Scotland's Coastal Places

    For thousands of years, Scots lived mostly on the coast in order to survive. Today, well over half our population live near the sea.

    View of group on sailing boat, probably 'Gadfly' Titled: 'Sunday afternoon cruise Brodick. Jack Swan, Monty Murray, Johnson family'
  • Exhibition

    Living by the Coast

    Settling on the coast was a matter of survival for our ancestors.

    Drawing of Vikings pulling boat ashore
  • Exhibition

    Working by the Coast

    Entire communities have grown up around Scotland’s fishing, trading and shipbuilding industries.

     View of the fish market, Aberdeen Harbour
  • Exhibition

    Beside the Seaside

    The steamers transformed the west of Scotland into a tourist destination with thousands heading ‘doon the watter’ to enjoy the seaside.

    General oblique aerial view of The Old Course, looking SW
  • Exhibition

    Defending our Shores

    Defending the coast from seaborne attack was an ongoing concern from Viking invasions to protecting the nation against enemy forces in WWII.

    Oblique aerial view of Tantallon Castle, looking ENE
  • Exhibition

    Out to Sea

    Navigating the treacherous waters around Scotland was a challenge for our ancestors.

    View of paddlesteamers at pier Titled: 'Leaving the Broomielaw, Glasgow. 5027. G.W.W'. PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM NO 195: PHOTOGRAPHS BY G W WILSON & CO
  • Blog

    Coastal blog posts

    2020/21 is Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters. We take to the water in our #YCW2020/21 blog posts, telling extraordinary stories from Scottish history.

    Print of the sailing vessel 'Aristides' by A Chidley, Trinity House

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General enquiries
0131 668 8600

Contact us

Historic Environment Scotland Head offices:

Longmore House
Salisbury Place
Edinburgh
EH9 1SH
John Sinclair House
16 Bernard Terrace
Edinburgh
EH8 9NX

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Historic Environment Scotland is the lead public body established to investigate, care for and promote Scotland’s historic environment.

© Historic Environment Scotland - Scottish Charity No. SC045925