climate of Scotland
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Short description|none}}
File:Scotland Köppen.png in Scotland]]
Weather and climate in the country of Scotland is mostly temperate and oceanic (Köppen climate classification Cfb), and tends to be very changeable, but rarely extreme. The country is warmed by the Gulf Stream from the Atlantic, and given its northerly latitude it is much warmer than areas on similar latitudes, for example Kamchatka in Russia or Labrador in Canada (where the sea freezes over in winter), or Fort McMurray, Canada (where {{convert|-35|°C}} is not uncommon during winter). Scots sometimes describe weather which is grey and gloomy using the Scots language word dreich.{{Cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/heritage/people-places/dreich-tops-poll-of-favourite-scots-words-1-2754328|title='Dreich' tops poll of favourite Scots words|work=The Scotsman|date=23 January 2013|access-date=10 July 2017}}
Across the country, June, July and August are commonly the warmest months, with an average temperature of 17°C (63°F) common, whilst in contrast, December, January and February are often the coldest with average temperatures averaging 6°C (43°F).{{cite web |title=Weather in Scotland |url=https://www.visitscotland.com/travel-planning/weather |website=VisitScotland |access-date=20 December 2024 |language=en-gb}} Given the latitude of Scotland, the north of the country generally receives more daylight in midsummer than the south of the British Isles, and in the far north of the country during summer, there is often no complete darkness. Weather conditions across the country can vary drastically, even within a short distance. In spring, Scotland's temperatures can average between 12°C (54°F) and 4°C (40°F), with an average rainfall of 48mm. In Winter, temperatures commonly range between 7°C (45°F) and 2°C (36°F) with an average rainfall of 57mm.{{cite web |title=Weather in Scotland {{!}} Scotland.org |url=https://www.scotland.org/about-scotland/weather |website=Scotland |access-date=20 December 2024 |language=en}}
The Scottish Government and the Met Office are the primary bodies responsible for weather management and warnings in the country, with Safer Scotland serving as the executive agency of the Scottish Government responsible for preparation for extreme weather, whilst the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is responsible for the flood mitigation, protection and warnings.{{cite web |title=Devolved administrations |url=https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/services/government/devolved-administrations |website=Met Office |access-date=20 December 2024 |language=en}} The Scottish Government Resilience Room may be activated during periods of intense weather in the country, such as prolonged rainfall or wind storms.{{cite web |title=Severe weather expected across Scotland |url=https://www.gov.scot/news/severe-weather-expected-across-scotland/ |website=www.gov.scot |access-date=23 January 2025 |language=en}}
==Seasons==
File:A small loch in the saddle between Beinn an Dothaidh and Beinn Dorain, Scotland 01.jpg sunrise in Scotland (January 2019)]]
File:Quiraing, Isle of Skye, Scotland - Diliff.jpg weather in Scotland (June 2014)]]
During spring, the country experiences a milder climate with average daily temperatures ranging between 12°C (54°F) and 4°C (40°F) with an average 13 hours of daylight. Rainfall averages 48mm across the country, however, due to the milder climate, flowers such as the cherry blossom begin to bloom along with the resurfacing of various animals who have hibernated over the winter period.{{cite web |title=Weather in Scotland {{!}} Scotland.org |url=https://www.scotland.org/about-scotland/weather |website=Scotland |access-date=20 December 2024 |language=en}}
Summer in Scotland typically ranges between June and August annually. During the summer period, temperatures typically average 18°C (64°F) during the daytime and 11°C (52°F) in the evenings, with an average 17 hours worth of daylight. During this period, the country can commonly average a rainfall of 72mm, making Summer commonly the wettest season in Scotland. Despite being the wettest season in the country, it also serves as the warmest of the four seasons in Scotland, and the northerly latitude of the country means that parts of Scotland benefit from longer daylight periods as well as an extended twilight.
Between September and November, Scotland enters Autumn and temperatures begin to decline from their Summer highs, with average temperatures of 13°C (55°F) in the daytime and 7°C (45°F) in the evenings common. The amount of rainfall the country receives also falls to 52mm on average. During the early transition from Summer into Autumn, the climate across the country is often mild before becoming cooler particularly into October. During Autumn, clocks change from British Summer Time to Daylight saving time which reduces daylight hours to an average of 11 hours of daylight.
Winter in Scotland ranges between December and February and is the coldest season experienced across the country. With an average of 8 hours of daylight, temperatures fall drastically during Winter, with daily averages of 7°C (45°F) during the daytime and 2°C (36°F) in the evenings common, with an average rainfall of 57mm.
Temperature
Scotland occupies the cooler northern section of Great Britain, so temperatures are generally lower than in the rest of the British Isles, with the coldest ever UK temperature of {{convert|-27.2|°C|°F|1}} recorded at Braemar in the Grampian Mountains, on 10 January 1982 and also at Altnaharra, Highland, on 30 December 1995.{{cite web |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/climate-extremes/#?tab=climateExtremes | title=Weather extremes | publisher=Met Office | access-date=1 July 2023}}
Winters in Scotland have an average low of around {{convert|0|°C|°F}},{{cite web | url = http://www.currentresults.com/Weather/United-Kingdom/Scotland/temperature-rainfall-average-january.php | title = Scottish winter temperature|publisher=Current Results|access-date=16 January 2015 }} with summer maximum temperatures averaging {{convert|15|-|17|°C|°F}}.{{cite web | year = 2001 | url = http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/areal/scotland.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040430030137/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/areal/scotland.html | archive-date = 30 April 2004 | title = Scotland 1971–2000 averages | publisher = Met Office | access-date = 20 August 2007}} In general, the western coastal areas of Scotland are warmer than the east and inland areas, due to the influence of the Atlantic currents, and the colder surface temperatures of the North Sea.{{cite web|year=2001 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/tmean/17.gif |title=Mean Temperatures Annual Average |publisher=Met Office |access-date=20 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801122236/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/tmean/17.gif |archive-date=1 August 2013}} The highest official temperature recorded was {{convert|34.8|°C}} in Charterhall, Scottish Borders on 19 July 2022.
For the last 100 years, the coldest winter was in 1963 (average temperature {{convert|0.19|°C|disp=or}}) and the mildest was in 1989 (average {{convert|5.15|°C|disp=or}}). The warmest summer was in 2003 (average {{convert|14.07|°C|disp=or}}) and the coolest was in 1922 (average {{convert|10.64|°C|disp=or}}).{{Cite web|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/summaries/2003/summer/regional-values|title = Regional values}}
{{Weather box
| width = auto
| unit precipitation days = 1 mm
| Jan precipitation days = 18.48
| Feb precipitation days = 16.10
| Mar precipitation days = 15.92
| Apr precipitation days = 13.70
| May precipitation days = 13.38
| Jun precipitation days = 13.75
| Jul precipitation days = 14.93
| Aug precipitation days = 15.51
| Sep precipitation days = 14.85
| Oct precipitation days = 17.96
| Nov precipitation days = 18.48
| Dec precipitation days = 18.24
| year precipitation days = 191.30
| Jan precipitation mm = 178.02
| Feb precipitation mm = 140.74
| Mar precipitation mm = 124.59
| Apr precipitation mm = 93.08
| May precipitation mm = 89.23
| Jun precipitation mm = 92.95
| Jul precipitation mm = 103.73
| Aug precipitation mm = 119.98
| Sep precipitation mm = 123.34
| Oct precipitation mm = 168.33
| Nov precipitation mm = 165.37
| Dec precipitation mm = 174.30
| year precipitation mm = 1573.64
| source 1 = The Met Office: averages, sunshine, precipitation;{{Cite web|title=Inverness (Highland) UK climate averages|url=https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data/uk-climate-averages/gfhyzzs9j|access-date=2022-01-15|website=Met Office|language=en|archive-date=2 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102085217/https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data/uk-climate-averages/gfhyzzs9j|url-status=live}} extremes{{cite web |title=UK climate extremes |url=https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data/uk-climate-extremes |website=Met Office |access-date=20 December 2024 |language=en}}
| year sun = 1200.05
| Dec sun = 29.74
| Nov sun = 47.58
| Oct sun = 74.72
| Sep sun = 106.56
| Aug sun = 134.54
| Jul sun = 140.50
| Jun sun = 146.25
| May sun = 182.22
| Apr sun = 141.73
| Mar sun = 97.46
| Feb sun = 63.49
| Jan sun = 35.26
| precipitation colour = green
| location = Scotland (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1865-present)
| year high C = 11.07
| Dec high C = 5.82
| Nov high C = 7.97
| Oct high C = 11.27
| Sep high C = 14.78
| Aug high C = 16.96
| Jul high C = 17.29
| Jun high C = 15.59
| May high C = 13.37
| Apr high C = 10.32
| Mar high C = 7.63
| Feb high C = 5.95
| Jan high C = 5.55
| metric first = Y
| single line = Y
| Jan low C = 0.34
| Feb low C = 0.26
| Mar low C = 1.19
| Apr low C = 2.78
| May low C = 4.98
| Jun low C = 7.86
| Jul low C = 9.70
| Aug low C = 9.61
| Sep low C = 7.88
| Oct low C = 5.14
| Nov low C = 2.48
| Dec low C = 0.37
| year low C = 4.40
| Jan record high C = 19.9
| Feb record high C = 18.3
| Mar record high C = 23.6
| Apr record high C = 27.2
| May record high C = 30.9
| Jun record high C = 32.2
| Jul record high C = 34.8
| Aug record high C = 32.9
| Sep record high C = 32.2
| Oct record high C = 27.4
| Nov record high C = 20.6
| Dec record high C = 18.7
| year record high C = 35.1
| Jan record low C = -27.2
| Feb record low C = -27.2
| Mar record low C = -22.8
| Apr record low C = -15.4
| May record low C = -8.8
| Jun record low C = -5.6
| Jul record low C = -2.5
| Aug record low C = -4.5
| Sep record low C = -6.7
| Oct record low C = -11.7
| Nov record low C = -23.3
| Dec record low C = -27.2
| year record low C = -27.2
| source =
}}
Frequent weather
= Rainfall =
File:Rain, rain go away... - geograph.org.uk - 2568977.jpg]]
Rainfall totals vary widely across Scotland— the western highlands of Scotland is one of the wettest places in Europe with annual rainfall up to {{convert|4577|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|year=2001 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/rr/17.gif |title=Rainfall Amount Annual Average |publisher=Met Office |access-date=20 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719222449/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/rr/17.gif |archive-date=19 July 2013}} Due to the mountainous topography of the western Highlands, this type of precipitation is orographic in nature, with the warm, wet air forced to rise on contact with the mountainous coast, where it consequently cools and condenses, forming clouds. In comparison, much of eastern Scotland receives less than {{convert|870|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} annually; lying in the rain shadow of the western uplands. This effect is most pronounced along the coasts of Lothian, Fife, Angus and eastern Aberdeenshire, as well as around the city of Inverness. Inchkeith in the Firth of Forth receives only {{convert|550|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} of precipitation each year, which is similar to Rabat in Morocco, and less than Barcelona receives per year. Also, as a result of this the north-western coast has about 265 days with rain a year and this falls to the south east to a minimum of about 170 days along the coast to the east of high ground.
Snowfall is less common in the lowlands, but becomes more common with altitude. Parts of the Highlands have an average of 36 to 105 snow days per year,{{cite web|year=2001 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/dl/17.gif |title=Days of Snow Lying Annual Average |publisher=Met Office |access-date=20 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070809125155/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/dl/17.gif |archive-date=9 August 2007}} while some western coastal areas have between 12 and 17 days with snow a year.
= Sunshine =
File:Traigh Bail, Tiree - geograph.org.uk - 7983.jpg is often regarded as the sunniest location in Scotland]]
File:Cloudy sunset over Highland, Scotland (20389982614).jpg]]
The maximum amount of sunshine in a calendar month was 329 hours in Tiree in May 1946 and again in May 1975 while the minimum, a mere 36 minutes, was recorded at Cape Wrath in the Highlands in January 1983.{{cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/location/scotland/#sunshine | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081011182729/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/location/scotland/ | url-status = dead | archive-date = 11 October 2008 | title = Scotland Sunshine Statistics | publisher = Met Office | access-date = 7 July 2008}}
Dundee and Aberdeen are the sunniest cities in Scotland.{{Cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/weather/11-scotlands-most-extreme-places-1476239|title=11 of Scotland's most extreme places|date= 19 May 2016|website=scotsman.com}} On the longest day of the year there is no complete darkness over the northern isles of Scotland. Lerwick, Shetland, has about four hours more daylight at midsummer than London, although this is reversed in midwinter.
Annual average sunshine totals vary from as little as 711–1140 hours in the highlands and the north-west,{{cite web|year=2001 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/ss/17.gif |title=Sunshine Duration Annual Average |publisher=Met Office |access-date=20 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728193119/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/ss/17.gif |archive-date=28 July 2014}} up to 1471–1540 hours on the extreme eastern and south-western coasts. Average annual sunshine hours over the whole territory are 1160 (taking 1971 to 2000 as standard) meaning that the sun shines just over 25% of the time.
During a prolonged period of sunshine towards the end of March–mid April 2025, a number of wildfires broke out across Scotland, mostly notably in the Isle of Arran, Cumbernauld, Edinburgh and at the Galloway Forest Park in Dumfries and Galloway.{{cite web |title=Wildfire battles continue with 'extreme' warning in place |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjdxzz442m9o |website=BBC News |access-date=11 April 2025 |date=11 April 2025}}{{cite web |title=Scotland experiencing hottest day of the year so far as wildfires continue |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2wwwl73reo |website=BBC News |access-date=11 April 2025 |date=10 April 2025}} The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service urged the public to "act responsibly" as the threat of wildfires across Scotland continued.
= Winds =
Scotland is the windiest country in Europe due to eastward moving Atlantic depressions that bring strong winds and clouds continuously throughout the year.{{cite web | url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/niall-stuart-europe-s-windiest-country-is-blessed-with-limitless-energy-potential-1-2337919 | title = Niall Stuart: Europe's windiest country is blessed with limitless energy potential | work= The Scotsman|date=5 June 2012|access-date=16 January 2015 }}{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-15283013 | title = The windiest place in Europe | publisher = BBC|date=12 October 2011|access-date=16 January 2015 }} In common with the rest of the United Kingdom, wind prevails from the south-west.{{cite web | year = 2001 | url = http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/location/scotland/index.html | title = Met Office: Scottish climate | publisher = Met Office | access-date = 20 August 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070527202029/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/location/scotland/index.html |archive-date = 27 May 2007}}
The windiest areas of Scotland are in the north and west; parts of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland have over 30 days with gale force winds per year. Vigorous Atlantic depressions, also known as European windstorms, are a common feature in the autumn and winter in Scotland. The strongest wind gust recorded in Scotland was officially {{convert|278|km/h|abbr=on}} on 20 March 1986 in the Cairngorms, but an unofficial wind speed of {{convert|312|km/h|abbr=on}} was recorded in the same location on 19 December 2008.{{cite web | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/4141762/Highlands-mountain-claims-strongest-UK-wind.html | title = Highlands mountain claims strongest UK wind|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=6 January 2009|first=Nick|last=Britten|access-date=16 January 2015}}
=Storms=
File:Cyclone Friedhelm, Inverclyde 1.jpeg makes landfall at Inverclyde]]
The 1968 Scotland storm is described as "Central Scotland's worst natural disaster" since records began and the worst gale in the United Kingdom.{{cite web|title=The Glasgow 'Hurricane'|url=http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/cgi-app/reports?ARCHIV=0&LANG=en&MENU=Extra&JJ=2008&MM=01&TT=21&FILE=extra_ne.tit|work=Weatheronline|access-date=20 March 2012}}{{cite news|title=20 dead: Scots start mop-up|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9XwQAAAAIBAJ&pg=5233,2231819&dq=glasgow+storm&hl=en|access-date=20 March 2012|newspaper=The Age|date=17 January 1968}} 20 people died from the storm, with 9 dead in Glasgow.{{cite web|title=Great Glasgow Storm – Monday 15 January 1968 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/media/pdf/o/5/Great_Glasgow_Storm_-_15_January_1968.pdf |publisher=Met Office |access-date=20 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227072049/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/media/pdf/o/5/Great_Glasgow_Storm_-_15_January_1968.pdf |archive-date=27 February 2014 }} 700 people were left homeless.{{cite news|title=Winds Batter Scotland; Toll Is 20 – Glasgow Hard Hit – Snow Falls in Mideast Storms Lash Europe, Mideast; Scotland Hard Hit|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/01/16/archives/winds-batter-scotland-toll-is-20-glasgow-hard-hit-snow-falls-in.html|access-date=20 March 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=16 January 1968}} The 1968 cost £30 million in damage at 1968 currency estimates.{{cite web|title=The Great Storm of 1968 |url=http://www.sunnygovan.com/PLACES/Gal5/GreatStormOf1968.html |work=SunnyGovan |access-date=20 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415234556/http://www.sunnygovan.com/PLACES/Gal5/GreatStormOf1968.html |archive-date=15 April 2009 }} Cyclone Friedhelm, commonly referred to as Hurricane Bawbag in Scotland, occurred in December 2011. The storm was the worst to affect Scotland in 10 years,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16100074|title=Scotland battered by worst storm for 10 years|first=James|last=Cook|date=8 December 2011|access-date=8 December 2011|work=BBC News}} though a stronger storm occurred less than a month afterwards, on 3 January 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/interesting/2012_janwind|title=A major winter storm brought very strong winds across much of the UK on 3 January 2012|publisher=Met Office|access-date=13 January 2013}} In January 2012, a stronger storm, Cyclone Andrea, hit Scotland. The worst affected area was Southern Scotland where several weather stations reported their highest gust on record. More than 100,000 Scottish homes and businesses were left without electricity. Gusts of {{convert|102|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} were recorded in Edinburgh.{{cite web|title=Winter storms, early January 2012|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/interesting/2012_janwind/|publisher=UK Met Office|access-date=29 October 2012}}
In Scotland, wind storms can typically begin as early as September and last until as late as August,{{cite web |title=UK storm season 2023/24 |url=https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-storm-centre/uk-storm-season-2023-24 |website=Met Office |access-date=29 September 2024 |language=en}} but can sometimes be as late as November and end earlier such as in February, as was the case during the 2021–2022 storm season.{{cite web |title=UK storm season 2021/22 |url=https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-storm-centre/uk-storm-season-2021-22 |website=Met Office |access-date=29 September 2024 |language=en}} A rare red warning for wind affecting coastal areas Scotland's eastern coast was issued and impacted between 26 and 27 November 2021.
In January 2025, Storm Éowyn was anticipated to be the "most destructive" wind storm to impact Scotland in thirteen years. The Met Office issued a rare Red alert for high winds across Scotland, notably in areas such as East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway, the Scottish Borders and Renfrewshire. On the evening of 23 January 2025, both the UK Government and Scottish Government issued an emergency alert to the public in preparation for the forthcoming storm. Storm Éowyn made landfall across Scotland in the morning of 24 January 2025, with many public services, such as schools, closed as a result.{{cite web |title=Emergency alert sent ahead of red weather warning for Storm Éowyn |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg5yvj74dyzo |website=BBC News |access-date=23 January 2025 |date=23 January 2025}}{{cite web |title=Storm Éowyn to be 'most destructive' in Scotland for 13 years |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm23l8x85ndo |website=BBC News |access-date=23 January 2025 |date=23 January 2025}}
=Floods=
File:Dundee-flood.jpg, 2004]]
Flooding is a regular occurrence across Scotland, and flooding can typically happen at any period during the year.{{cite web |title=Preparing for rain and flood disruption |url=https://ready.scot/respond/severe-weather/rain-and-flooding |website=ready.scot |access-date=29 September 2024}} With increased levels of rainfall in Scotland,{{cite web |title=Exploring Climate Change Impacts |url=https://education.gov.scot/media/4h1lukdt/exploring-climate-change-impact.pdf |website=Education Scotland |access-date=29 September 2024}} the country has seen a surge in the number of flooding incidents with 3,139 reported incidents during 2023–2023, a sharp increase from 1,617 in the previous year.{{cite web |title=Stormy waters: Flooding events are on the rise in Scotland |url=https://www.holyrood.com/inside-politics/view,stormy-waters-flooding-events-are-on-the-rise-in-scotland |website=Holyrood Website |access-date=29 September 2024 |language=en |date=13 November 2023}} The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is the executive non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government with responsibility for national flood forecasting, flood warning and strategic flood risk management authority.{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2010/01/14151207/7 |title=Scotland's Higher Activity Radioactive Waste Policy: Consultation 2010, Part 7 |publisher=Scottish Government |date=January 2010 |access-date=21 May 2017 |archive-date=18 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118042640/http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2010/01/14151207/7 |url-status=dead }}
In 1953, the flooding of the North Sea caused damage estimated at £50 million at 1953 prices, approximately £1.2 billion at 2013 prices.{{cite web |title=Weather and climate news |url=https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/weather-and-climate-news |website=Met Office |access-date=29 September 2024 |language=en}} Considered the most devastating storm to hit Scotland in 500 years, the surge crossed between Orkney and Shetland. The storm generated coastal and inland hazards, including flooding, erosion, destruction of coastal defences, and widespread wind damage. Damage occurred throughout the country, with 19 fatalities reported.{{cite journal|doi=10.1080/00369220118737129 | volume=117 | issue=4 | title=The storm of 31 January to 1 February 1953 and its impact on Scotland | year=2001 | journal=Scottish Geographical Journal | pages=283–295 | last1 = Hickey | first1 = Kieran R.| bibcode=2001ScGJ..117..283H | s2cid=129865692 }} The fishing village of Crovie, Banffshire, built on a narrow strip of land along the Moray Firth, was abandoned by many, as large structures were swept into the sea.
In 2002, Glasgow was hit by a series of flash floods that occurred after thunderstorms in the Scottish Lowlands in the end of July and beginning of August 2002. The heaviest rainfall fell on the night of Tuesday, 30 July 2002.{{cite news|title=Floods cost into 'millions'|date=2 August 2002|publisher=BBC News Online|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/2166701.stm|access-date=18 November 2007}}{{cite news|title=Remembering Glasgow’s floods of 2002|date=11 January 2016|website=scotsman.com|url=https://www.scotsman.com/news-2-15012/remembering-glasgow-s-floods-of-2002-1-3997763|access-date=11 January 2016}} The East End of the city was worst affected, and two hundred people were evacuated from their homes in Greenfield and Shettleston on the Tuesday night.{{cite news|title=Homes evacuated after flooding|date=1 August 2002|publisher=BBC News Online|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/2161637.stm|access-date=18 November 2007}} The antiquated 19th century storm drain and sewer system in that area, having received minimal investment from Scottish Water, was blamed due to its inability to deal with the high capacity of surface runoff. Many of the homes affected were in working class areas, and as a result, did not have contents insurance.
Climate change
{{Excerpt|Climate change in Scotland}}
Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions only accounted for 10% of the UK's emissionshttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/283799/0086005.pdf GHG Emissions by sector in 2003, when figures were published. 37% of Scottish emissions are in energy supply and 17% in transport. Between 1990 and 2007, Scottish net emissions have reduced by 18.7%.http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/climatechange/what-is/research-science Scottish Government- Climate Change The industrial processes sector had the largest decrease, of 72% with a reduction of 48% in the public sector trailing closely behind.
The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 is an Act passed by the Scottish Parliament.[http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/acts2009/pdf/asp_20090012_en.pdf Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009], London, HMSO. [Accessed 1 May 2010] The Act includes an emissions target, set for the year 2050, for a reduction of at least 80% from the baseline year, 1990. The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 was amended by the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019,{{cite web | url=https://www.gov.scot/policies/climate-change/ | title=Climate change }} increasing the ambition of Scotland's emissions reduction targets to net zero by 2045 and revising interim and annual emissions reduction targets. Annual targets for greenhouse gas emissions must also be set, after consultation the relevant advisory bodies.
In 2020, Scotland had 12 gigawatts (GW) of renewable electricity capacity, which produced about a quarter of total UK renewable generation.{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-trends-section-6-renewables |title=BEIS Energy Trends – Renewables |publisher=UK Government |date=26 March 2020 |access-date=15 April 2020}} In decreasing order of capacity, Scotland's renewable generation comes from onshore wind, hydropower, offshore wind, solar PV and biomass.{{cite web |title=Renewable Energy Facts & Statistics {{!}} Scottish Renewables |url=https://www.scottishrenewables.com/our-industry/statistics |website=www.scottishrenewables.com |access-date=29 September 2024 |language=en}} Scotland exports much of this electricity.{{cite web |title=Proportion of electricity generation by fuel |url=https://scotland.shinyapps.io/Energy/?Section=RenLowCarbon&Subsection=RenElec&Chart=ElecGen |access-date=15 April 2020 |work=Scottish Government: Scottish Energy Statistics Hub}}{{Cite web |title=Share of renewable electricity in gross final consumption |url=https://scotland.shinyapps.io/Energy/?Section=RenLowCarbon&Subsection=RenElec&Chart=RenElecTarget |access-date=15 April 2020 |work=Scottish Government: Scottish Energy Statistics Hub}} On 26 January 2024, the Scottish Government confirmed that Scotland generated the equivalent of 113% of Scotland's electricity consumption from renewable energy sources, making it the highest percentage figure ever recorded for renewable energy production in Scotland. It was hailed as "a significant milestone in Scotland's journey to net zero" by the Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, Neil Gray. It becomes the first time that Scotland produced more renewable energy than it actually consumed, and demonstrates the "enormous potential of Scotland's green economy" as claimed by Gray.{{cite web |title=Record renewable energy output |url=https://www.gov.scot/news/record-renewable-energy-output/ |website=www.gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=26 January 2024}}
References
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