Lyth
Increased temperatures in this area has changed some of the plants able to be grown here. We are monitoring a patch near Mirelands.

My home is in Scorguie
Heavier rain in shorter spaces of time have caused my roof to leak even though it is in good state of repair. High January/February winds have become stronger causing damage to my property. Hotter drier days in Summer lasting longer without rain have caused my grass to turn brown and plant losses. My home becomes unbearably hot in the summer.
My home is in Scorguie (Gaelic for Windy Hill), when the severe winter gales come ot has become intense which I have noticed have got worse these past three winters. Heavier rain showers in Summer cause flooding on my street and near by areas, perhaps due to the lack of drain being kept clear or the infrastructure not being fit for purpose any longer.
Heavy rain, High winds, Snow, High temperatures, Long periods without rain, Ice, Rapid freeze and/or thaw

Nairn
Last September we had oddly hot weather at the start of the month. It was 18/19 degrees. Lovely but concerning!
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 13 March 2023.

Barevan
Heavy heavy rain in winter, landing on compacted farm land resulting in our house flooding from under the floor, as the water table rose.
Tried to address with farmer about compacted soils, but to no avail. Flooding seemed to be increasing each year. Ended up having to leave property because it was flooding.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Storymap Commonplace Platform on 13 March 2023.
Change over time (e.g. sea level rise or increased temperatures)

Carn Mor
Up through the old pine forest and over a bog to great spot to watch moody skies over the Am Monadh Ruadh, or see from one end of the strath to the other on a clear day
Weather changes from season to season, often with 4 seasons in one day.
Weather changes, it always has. Autumn and Winter storms sometimes lift a few tiles or blow fences and trees down, this is followed by spring and lambing snows, and then summer when sometimes it even gets above 30 degrees. To prepare for the weather keep an eye on the condition of your garden fence to make sure it doesn't get blown down in the winter, to keep cool in the summer know the spots that are not taken over by tourists which drive up the A9 in droves to their air B & B which now stands in place of what used to be woodland. Have some Smidge for the occasional days in the summer when there's no wind.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 13 March 2023.

Achentoot
In general, how do you think this place copes with hazardous weather events?
We're off-grid for water (and a few other things) but rainwater storage (for potable water) is an issue and increasingly so as we need to either increase rainwater storage volume or the more expensive and resilient borehole to the aquifer below us or possibly share a resource in a local spring. There are options.
What features (physical, economic, social) make this place vulnerable or resilient to hazardous weather conditions?
Resiliency comes from being able to meet our needs from our location. We can survive without water (due to drought and not enough storage) if we take action. We're planting shelterbelt to provide natural wind protection for the perennial and annual food (roots, shoots, leaves, flowers, berries and nuts) we plan to produce and solar / wind electricity generation and storage from a planned installation. Increasing community support by building networks.
Are there environmental or weather conditions which make this place feel unsafe (flooding, air quality, busy roads, ice, high winds, storm surges, etc.)?
Road conditions, our potholes are starting to cut us off from one of the two routes available to us (we've just had our 1st mail delivery for nearly 10 days due to road / weather conditions). We may have to sell our 5yo EV to get a diesel 4x4 which would be tragic. This will have a serious impact on our network and community.
Road patching as it is presently done is a short term fix as they get blown out by the increasingly severe low temperatures and all that brings.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 14 March 2023.
Ice, Rapid freeze and/or thaw, Long periods without rain, High temperatures, High winds, Snow, Heavy rain, Hail

Achentoot
Share a story of how you have experienced weather and/or climate at this place
We moved to our (mostly) off-grid house in Aug 2017 and noticed that our rainwater storage we use for all our needs has increasingly got to critical levels or worse.
The usual 165ltr/day/person rule of thumb used for typical Scottish households (https://www.waterwise.org.uk/save-water/) to size our tank won't take the 5 to 6 week droughts we seem to experience early in the year and has not enough volume to hold enough when we get intense rainfall. Both problems, lack of rain and increasing precipitation intensity, are worsening.
Our water storage needs to be rebuilt to accommodate nearer 10,000 litres rather than the 4,500ltrs we have which in reality is only 3,700ltrs due to installation constraints. There is the tricky balance between too much standing water and not enough both of which can lead to health concerns. We're also off-grid with our water free compost loo (so lower per-person water usage).
Have you observed the weather, climate, or natural environment at this place changing over time?
Yes,
Concerned enough to take action
Have you done anything to prepare for or address climate and weather changes at this place?
Planned increase in water storage, planting shelter belts to lessen impact of weather and increase biomass in supporting the life here (human, flora and fauna).
Change over time (e.g. sea level rise or increased temperatures)

Beauly River side walk
Whilst walking here over the last 3/4 years I have experienced flooding, extreme changes in water levels and beautiful scenery.
Over this time one part of the river mouth has been washed away and parts of the river side paths have collapsed into the river. Blue bells have increased as have blackberries this past year 2022.
There were talks of the river mouth being repaired and a jetty being built by the Beauly Angling club. I think the land belongs to the Lovet Estate.
Change over time (e.g. sea level rise or increased temperatures)

Galtrigill
In general, how do you think this place copes with hazardous weather events?
It’s normal. We have to do what we can. No help from the Council.
What features (physical, economic, social) make this place vulnerable or resilient to hazardous weather conditions?
Remoteness. Ageing, but still active people. Many houses not in permanent occupation.
Are there environmental or weather conditions which make this place feel unsafe (flooding, air quality, busy roads, ice, high winds, storm surges, etc.)?
Road sometimes closed by ice. No gritting.
Is it possible and/or comfortable to move around this place in different weather conditions (rain, snow, wind, heat, etc.)?
As above. We need to move about to access basic services, but that’s not always possible.
Are there delays or cancellations due to the weather? What do people do?
As above. Sometimes need to cancel appointments. Road not gritted so kids don’t get to school and bins not emptied.
Are outdoor spaces safe and pleasant to walk, meet, or socialise in all weather? Do people go elsewhere?
Yes, it’s a safe and pleasant area.
Does the weather ever lead to overcrowding of spaces or facilities?
No.
Could more natural space be available or could existing natural space be better supported?
It’s a crofting area, so better management, regulation and use of crofts. Promotion of regenerative agriculture.
Have you noticed the species of plants and/or animals have changed here over time?
More bracken invasion.
How do buildings and infrastructure cope with the climate today? Are they prone to flooding, damp/mould, draughts, cold, or over-heating?
Wet, mild conditions causing mould in the house. Flash floods more prevalent.
Has there been damage or increased maintenance needs due to the weather? Are repairs carried out?
Constant maintenance of older houses needed.
Would you describe the community as strong, cohesive, and integrated?
It’s not bad. We’re there for each other when required.
How could people better support each other during extreme weather events?
We already do help with things like sharing generators, helping with deliveries, clearing snow/ice.
How do businesses/services cope with different kinds of weather? Is demand affected by different weather?
Quite often disrupted by snow and ice conditions. No road gritting and general deterioration of the road network.
Are there plans in place to help people access businesses/services in hazardous conditions?
What could help businesses/services cope or get up and running again following extreme weather?
Road gritting and maintenance in general.
Weather events and climate change happening somewhere else could impact your place. Has this happened before?
Yes, we’re at the very far end of a long supply chain.
Do you know how the climate will change in this place in the future?
No, but expect more extreme conditions eg flash floods, storm conditions.
Can the critical systems and infrastructure (drainage, cooling, electric) cope with more frequent and extreme disruptive weather?
Electric network is currently well maintained and is usually restored fairly quickly after damage . Drainage of roads has suffered many decades of neglect by the Council.
How do you think this place can be made more resilient?
Abolition of the Highland Council and a genuine local authority created with the ability to respond to needs of remote areas in a resilient and flexible manner.
Do you know what climate adaptation measures could be implemented at this place and who is responsible for implementing them?
Drainage and road maintenance. Highland Council and land owners/tenants.
Do you have a vision for what you would like this place to look like in the future? Does it include how it might adapt to climate change?
Accessible by safe roads and public transport. Crofts brought back to use for food production, homes and jobs. Regenerative agriculture. Community energy. Attractive and affordable for working families.

Inverness
In general, how do you think this place copes with hazardous weather events?
Poorly. It's all about extremes - rain, wind, snow or sunshine. Each has its drawbacks.
What features (physical, economic, social) make this place vulnerable or resilient to hazardous weather conditions?
A lack of drainage, flooded streets when it rains, poor gritting when it's snowy or icy, and poor coverage on streets when it is hot and sunny.
Are there environmental or weather conditions which make this place feel unsafe (flooding, air quality, busy roads, ice, high winds, storm surges, etc.)?
Yes, hilly streets being ungritted (Stephen's Brae a classic example).
Is it possible and/or comfortable to move around this place in different weather conditions (rain, snow, wind, heat, etc.)?
More active travel around Inverness will remove the risks presented by cars which are an added problem and danger when trying to negotiate pavements, flooded walkways etc.
Are there delays or cancellations due to the weather? What do people do?
Probably not, but where it happens potentially just not go anywhere but that's just a guess.
Are outdoor spaces safe and pleasant to walk, meet, or socialise in all weather? Do people go elsewhere?
No. Inverness city centre is sorely lacking in decent outdoor spaces to just "be". The castle grounds (even when work finishes) is minimal and doesn't have much seating. Falcon Square is a corporate deadzone with no soul and no seating, and the revamped Market hall while superb is all about eating/spending.
I've no idea where people go, except not come into the city centre or (if of a certain demographic) cause trouble in streets, underpasses and parks.
A few things that would help:
- the proposed Academy Street revamp, which will create more street furniture and space for people to hang out (and, yes, spend money in cafes). It's a gorgeous street that nobody dwells in because of the traffic.
- Bridge Street should be made much more of a space to hang out in, for instance pedestrianising it (turning the space around the Town House into a classic continental town square), and removing the three hideous boxes from the upper part of the south side, next to the castle (including the museum). This space should then be transformed into an urban garden, with seating, statues, space for live music, perhaps a kiosk or two. This would allow for a better access up to the castle, great views of the river, and space for folk to hang out in lunch breaks at work or after work.
- You should consider the gender and dynamics here. Check out the organisation Make Space for Girls who do tremendous work providing advice on how to shape things around teenage girls (who often have nowhere else to go and can can be intimidated in public spaces by males).
- more trees! We need more shade, more places to sit, more wildlife, more sponging up of rain water and just more pleasantness, and trees provide all of those.
- less cars and more (safe, segregated) cycle paths. This will make the city centre a more pleaseant place to be outdoors in.
Does the weather ever lead to overcrowding of spaces or facilities?
Yes, pavements in the city centre are often narrow, and become narrow when flooded or when avoiding splashes from cars. We need less cars so this will be less of an issue.
Could more natural space be available or could existing natural space be better supported?
Yes! We need SO many more trees in the city centre - to improve biodiversity, clean the air, and create natural spaces to hang out.
Have you noticed the species of plants and/or animals have changed here over time?
Not particularly changed, but certainly there are minimal birds in the city which is a shame. Plant more trees instead of car lanes!
How do buildings and infrastructure cope with the climate today? Are they prone to flooding, damp/mould, draughts, cold, or over-heating?
I don't know, but many old places around town looks weathered and worn, with weeds growing out of them.
Has there been damage or increased maintenance needs due to the weather? Are repairs carried out?
Don't know but wouldn't be surprised if repairs aren't expedited due to cost reasons.
Would you describe the community as strong, cohesive, and integrated?
As someone who lives very close to the city centre, not really. Inverness city centre has been ruined by cars and hollowed out by retail parks. It's got the capacity to be an amazing place but it lacks:
- opportunities for independent businesses (the revamped Market is grand but we need more of the same!).
- space for people to interact and form that community. This requires fewer cars, more trees and more active travel.
- more ability for people to live in the city centre.
- more joining up of indoors and covered places. There's real scope for the Eastgate centre to spread out over the station, providing an almost fully covered indoor link from the bus station to Crown, Morrisons and much else.
- more pedestrianisation. The likes of Baron Taylor's Street is an absolute gem but absurdly is open to delivery vehicles. Support for cargo bike delivery and couriering across the city centre will make the city centre less noisy (in a good way), greener, more pleasant, and an easier place for people to speak to each other. Car drivers can't stop and chat; cyclists can!
How could people better support each other during extreme weather events?
Not sure. Depends on the events. But helping people is easier if things like pavements are made safe as a priority over car lanes.
Do you know how the climate will change in this place in the future?
Probably more risk from heavy rain, and flooding from the river.
Heavy rain, High winds, Long periods without rain, Snow, High temperatures, Sounds odd to say, but intense heat too!

Cairngorm mountains
Share a story of how you have experienced weather and/or climate at this place
I'm an avid munro-bagger and was lucky enough to be given a winter skills course for my birthday. Booking this for December felt like a dead cert for some good snowy conditions to practice my ice-axe and winter navigation skills. Alas no, it was 14C and we had to postpone for a later date. But when? Knowing when the snows will come and how long they will last is so difficult these days. We had a lovely time doing some not so wintery walking but it was nuts how warm it was so close to the winter solstice. Wandering around in the hills without needing a coat, in December? This is a trivial story compared to some of the others but it speaks to the heart of the problem - we have lost the luxury of a stable climate. Yes poor me it was hard to find a date for a leisure activity, but what about farmers, foresters and others providing crucial services and products that we all rely on. How are they meant to plan?
Have you observed the weather, climate, or natural environment at this place changing over time?
The arrival of the winter snow, it's depth and duration is so uncertain now. Even over a short period (the last ten years) the change is stark. I used to take 3 months off over winter from my hillwalking because of the hazards of extreme weather but now I can be up Munros in January with no need to use any of my winter equipment. I bring it (just in case) because the weather will always surprise us, but I regularly find myself stripping off to a tshirt rather than wrapped up in thermals even in the middle of winter. Even in the coldest months, I'm getting more use out of my sunscreen than my crampons.
Have you done anything to prepare for or address climate and weather changes at this place?
I have the luxury of changing the gear that I bring with me so that I can respond to the conditions, but I worry about the natural environment there, how are the highly specialised montane species like the Mountain Hares responding to this paucity and unpredictability of seasonal conditions.

My home in Scorguie
Heavier rain in shorter spaces of time have caused my roof to leak even though it is in good state of repair. High January/February winds have become stronger causing damage to my property. Hotter drier days in Summer lasting longer without rain have caused my grass to turn brown and plant losses. My home becomes unbearably hot in the summer.
My home is in Scorguie (Gaelic for Windy Hill), when the severe winter gales come ot has become intense which I have noticed have got worse these past three winters. Heavier rain showers in Summer cause flooding on my street and near by areas, perhaps due to the lack of drain being kept clear or the infrastructure not being fit for purpose any longer.
Heavy rain, High winds, Snow, High temperatures, Long periods without rain, Ice, Rapid freeze and/or thaw

Home
On 20-21st Mar 2023 there was an overnight storm of wind and rain in Inverness which carried on through the morning. Our flagpole was broken off and covers on vegetables to deter pigeons dislodged.
Have you observed the weather, climate, or natural environment at this place changing over time?
No, we have only been here 5 years and this type of storm happens once or twice each Winter.
Have you done anything to prepare for or address climate and weather changes at this place?
Lagged the loft. Replaced windows. Put in water butt's etc, but we have done that in every house we stayed in over the last 15 years.

Inverness
Heavy rain can be an issue with roof gutters and drains blocking.
We are on a hill which guards against flooding
Calm weather causes temperature inversions which give us smog and the smoke comes back down the chimney into the house.
Is it possible and/or comfortable to move around this place in different weather conditions (rain, snow, wind, heat, etc.)?
We sometimes have to walk instead of transport because of snow
Are there delays or cancellations due to the weather? What do people do?
Not often. About once a winter snowy weather causes cancellations.
Are outdoor spaces safe and pleasant to walk, meet, or socialise in all weather? Do people go elsewhere?
Yes outdoor places in parks and by the river here are good for walking.
Does the weather ever lead to overcrowding of spaces or facilities?
Could more natural space be available or could existing natural space be better supported?
We need a small park or garden within the city centre so people can si or have their lunch.
Have you noticed the species of plants and/or animals have changed here over time?
We seem to have different butterfly's. We have no small tortoiseshell now but we have commas instead.
How do buildings and infrastructure cope with the climate today? Are they prone to flooding, damp/mould, draughts, cold, or over-heating?
Need more insulation and better draft proofing.
Has there been damage or increased maintenance needs due to the weather? Are repairs carried out?
Not as bad as when we first moved here.
Would you describe the community as strong, cohesive, and integrated?
How could people better support each other during extreme weather events?
We put food etc into the community cupboard in times of surplus fruit from our garden
Do you know how the climate will change in this place in the future?
Yes, we bought a house on a hill instead of beside the river as we expect the river to flood in the next decades.
Can the critical systems and infrastructure (drainage, cooling, electric) cope with more frequent and extreme disruptive weather?
How do you think this place can be made more resilient?
More streams of renewable energy production
Do you know what climate adaptation measures could be implemented at this place and who is responsible for implementing them?
Westminster is not being proactive in helping foster renewable energy sources, and not discouraging fossil fuel production.
Do you have a vision for what you would like this place to look like in the future? Does it include how it might adapt to climate change?
More green space in the city particularly trees.
High temperatures, Heavy rain, Long periods without rain

Crown
During one of the winter storms this year, the roads and sidewalks in crown became so icy it was hard to leave the house. I was walking with a friend who slipped and fell - thankfully she wasn't hurt, but it was dangerous.

Badaguish
Well built and well maintained chalets and cabins situated in an area which is highly unlikely to flood.
Economic reasons such as income loss due to fewer tourist bookings might make difficulties for adequate maintenance to keep the properties weatherproof
When we stayed there at New Year about about 4 years ago heavy rain resulted in serious flooding on the main road out of Aviemore but the track to Badaguish and the site were not badly affected. It is a sheltered site from wind, and not at risk of avalanche
The year we stayed there was very heavy rainfall in central Scotland resulting in major travel disruption including railway line closures and road closures which did impact people reaching Badaguish for that New Year. Some had to arrive a day or so late, or leave early
At Badaguish the buildings appear well designed to cope with adverse weather conditions
Some way of ensuring maybe a 'central ' reference point in a particular community, eg. Aviemore and area which could be contactable or be able to message residents and visitors in an extreme weather event about safety issues such as which roads are open/closed, flooding etc.Maybe this already exists but as a visitor I am not aware of who to contact locally for advice in such an event.
I presume it will experience more extreme weather events such as heavy rain and gales and possibly drought at times
Have you experienced any severe weather events or patterns in this place?
Heavy rain
I presume it will experience more extreme weather events such as heavy rain and gales and possibly drought at times.
How do you think this place can be made more resilient?
Sustainable transport solutions not using fossil fuels and any other actions to reduce the risk of global warming and loss of biodiversity.

Glen Hotel
good
high up
high winds tall trees near
no delays
great natural space as it is
get more dear now and more birds of prey
very well
mostly
talk more and help more
How do businesses/services cope with different kinds of weather? Is demand affected by different weather?
Are there plans in place to help people access businesses/services in hazardous conditions?
What could help businesses/services cope or get up and running again following extreme weather?
gritters do better job
Weather events and climate change happening somewhere else could impact your place. Has this happened before?
for the better will get less cold
Can the critical systems and infrastructure (drainage, cooling, electric) cope with more frequent and extreme disruptive weather?
Do you know what climate adaptation measures could be implemented at this place and who is responsible for implementing them?
Do you have a vision for what you would like this place to look like in the future? Does it include how it might adapt to climate change?
more variety of plants would be good

Ancient oak forest
Increasingly vulnerable
We’ve a remnant of old oak forest. This is an incredibly rare and valuable habitat. It need protected and extended.
High winds. You can see fallen trees. We need a mix of tree ages.
More Bracken.

Braeriach east coire
Share a story of how you have experienced weather and/or climate at this place
Where is the ‘permanent’ snow patch now?
Milder, shorter winters.

Galtrigill
We cope because we have to. Supportive community.
Remoteness. Disintegrating roads. No support from local authority.
Being cut off from emergency services due to road conditions especially ice.

Nethy Bridge
Quite well. Drainage is good and it is fairly sheltered, but we have had some fierce winds, cold snaps, hot dry periods, etc.
I am most concerned with wildlife. For example, a couple of years ago mining bees emerged in a warm February after a chilly early winter. Of course it was not spring, there were no flowers to provide food, these individuals would have died. Very changeable weather makes life difficult or impossible for the small creatures at the base of the food chain
Not easy in icy conditions. Need spikes, but can't use them if not enough snow.
Sorry - was thinking of wildlife and domestic animals, not people.
Just that climate change, with extreme weather conditions and weather inappropriate for the season makes life very difficult for wild animals (e.g. mining bees) or domestic stock (e.g horses - rugs on, rugs off, rugs on again...)
We have only lived here for 5 years so it's not possible to tell; but where we lived before, many of the trees came in to blossom a few weeks earlier than they used to. This can affect insects as they can be organising their lives by seasonal day length rather than temperature which affects at least some of their target plants.
People are very neighbourly, look after older people or those living alone. Closure of Nethy Shop hasn't helped, though.
Weather events and climate change happening somewhere else could impact your place. Has this happened before?
Of course. Have you noticed the lack of fresh vegetables in the shops - partly climate change and climate purturbation.
Weather will be generally warmer, wetter and windier, but there may be cold or dry spells, often rather "out of season". As you say, more frequesnt and extreme disruptive weather.
It is said that national grid can't cope if all vehicles become electric. It is also difficult to change heating type in Highland, virtually no gas, a lot of oil, not sure how truly green biomass is (and the technology is not up to it with this).
We need method of encouraging people to give up travel, fossil fuel heating, and insulate their homes. Methods of insulating traditional houses (e.g. 1 1/2 storey late 1800s cottages) need to be worked out (Historic Scotland has some interesting work on this which is not publicised enough). Local building firms need to be trained in the methods, and some sort of incentive given to home owners to change. How can an oil-fired heating system best be adapted to either electric or air-source heat-pumps? Who has been trained to do this? Are there incentives? Short journeys by bike/walking fine, but middle-length journeys (e.g. shopping in centre a few miles away) needs to be tackled. Lots more encouragement for visitors to come by public transport, and facilities to move them around when they arrive? Growing more food locally - glut in autumn, none in spring. What can we do?
We need a complete change of life-style and expectations, but people can't do this alone, need leadership to come from the top (local authority and parks authority included).
Climate change is real, damaging, and there is just time to do something about it (see latest IPCC report), but we must act radically NOW.
See above.
Well insulated houses, good local public transport, local foods, tourism also planet-friendly (no snow-making up Cairngorm! maybe artificial slopes lower down). For everything a pull-together attitude from the top down, and DO IT NOW. Then we might have a forest habitat as full of wildlife as it is today.
Heavy rain, High winds, Long periods without rain, Ice, Snow, High temperatures, Rapid freeze and/or thaw

Latheronwheel strath
Wind damage blocking public access due to fallen trees. This affects daily route taken to walk my dogs

Galtrigill
Flash flooding. Icing on roads.
Much wetter.
Improved drainage. Bought a more robust vehicle.

Grantown-on-Spey
The winters are rapidly warming and becoming very unpredictable. When I was growing up here as a child only 15-20 years ago I remember the winters being much colder, snowier, and more predictable with the conditions. We would would frequently get deep snow in the garden and in the town. Now it is pretty rare.
Yes the winter weather is getting warmer, wetter, and less predictable.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 1 April 2023.

Sleat
No problem apart from icy roads.
elevated, no risk of flooding
icy roads occasionally
yes, except for icy roads
ferries cancelled, gritters delayed. People stay at home and wait for change
yes, apart from icy conditions
good summer weather leads to excessive wild camping
unspoiled nature abounds so far
more rushes due to increasing wet weather
no damage from wind so far
already good support, getting provisions for others, looking out for others
How do businesses/services cope with different kinds of weather? Is demand affected by different weather?
very occasionally posties can't get through, but they generally do an excellent job
Are there plans in place to help people access businesses/services in hazardous conditions?
don't know
food shortages in supermarkets
wetter, warmer or possibly al lot colder if the Gulf Stream shuts off
self-generated renewable electricity
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 2 April 2023.
Heavy rain, Snow, High winds, Ice, Rapid freeze and/or thaw

Inverness
I live in Inverness and have experience many weather events and climatic changes over the years including:
The extremely cold winter of 2022/23 - lots of snow and ice with temperatures dropping below minus 5 degrees. This caused dangerous road conditions.
The heatwave in July 2022 - one of my friends works at Raigmore and said there was an increase in admissions relating to heat stress.
Intense rainfall - Tesco and the cinema flooded after a period of heavy rainfall in August 2022.
Storms - more stormy weather which damages buildings and trees in parks like Whin Park.
Increased variability in weather periods of extreme heat and drought and then record rainfall and flooding. In Inverness it definitely seems more rainy
I live in rented accomodation so there is very little I can do to improve the resilience of my building. Within the house I have lots of plants which I'm told helps cool your property. I do not own a car currently but when I did I avoided driving when there was bad weather.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 3 April 2023.

Fort William
On the 17th February 2023, Storm Otto passed over the Highlands. I was in Fort William at the time and the wind was so strong it was making all the windows and doors in the hotel shake. When I woke in the morning there was a lot of localised flooding and news of trees on roads which needed to be cleared.
There has definitely been more variable weather but overall it is warmer and more stormy.
Not at this location as I was only visiting.

Crown
During recent windstorms, I've had trouble keeping my bins from falling over. I'm concerned that, if they do fall over, they will damage someone's car on the street or spread litter.
I started to turn my bins on the side in advance of windstorms, but this isn't a perfect solution.

Mellon udrigle
Fairly well - Would say changes in resilience as a result of human impact rather than climate. eg. cut off due to snow not been cleared on steep road out of village as result of cuts in winter maintenance. more flooded ground due to crofts land being less well maintained than historically.
single road in / out
Beach and coastal erosion
Remoteness,
services in event of severe event are now more remote than in the past. No phonebox if lines/mobile down. Less winter maintenance etc.
missed appointments if roads not kept in good condition
no. there is a lack of basic provision. Settlement pattern in west coast in general is not conducive to being resilient. Communities are spread out with neighbours often long distance away with no footpaths. We are literally designing communities to be less resilient!!
maram grass brought in to reduce coastal erosion at the beach has changed topography around beach and now almost hidden prehistoric hut circle
increased costs to repairing car as result of damage from potholes.
small local population. on very rare occasion a house site that becomes available sells very quickly. Like almost every crofting community it is almost impossible for people to move into the community because it s so difficult to create land for new housing.
increase resource for maintaining existing assets - roads, ditches, bridges, cutting trees by pylons, etc etc
more people living permanently. For this there needs to be means of accessing land and access to local services improved - health and social care, education etc are all in retreat within this area.
Climate is undoubtedly changing but i would say in this area the impact of reduced services and good maintenance of existing assets are the reason for reduced resilience more than any impacts from changing climate. This simple fact should not be overlooked and climate change used as the excuse.
Heavy rain, high winds - but no more sever than variations over last 40 years

Glenelg - Skye Ferry
The MV Glenachulish sails between Glenelg and Kylerhea on Skye between April and mid-October.
Strong winds, particularly north winds can disrupt service.

Dunnet Head
Varied. The weather patterns are so changeable, it was difficult to predict whether it was possible to ride out or not. Very windy, but also some great days out.
Yes, definitely. I lived there for 16 years. When I first arrived it was very windy in March, and even in July. I think the winds were less over time.
How concerned or unconcerned are you about how future weather and climate changes will affect you at this place?
I no longer live there, but the Dunnet Head Educational Trust did a lot of work when that was operational.

Inverness to Perth Railway Line
Generally the community copes well but the railway line is often the first thing to be affected by our more extreme weather events: flooding, high winds, ice, snow. Anything that stops the trains from running smoothly.
The railway line is the only railway transport link between the highlands and central belt. Many of us trying to reduce car use try and use it for going to Inverness and Central Belt. It is also used as a rail freight route by a major supermarket to get goods to its northern stores in Inverness and beyond. Tourists use the train to travel North of Perth. There are a range of economic consequences if this rail route is disrupted: local residents, visitors and businesses are all affected.
Flooding, high winds, ice and snow -
Not really, you need public bus service or a private car. Distances between settlements are big and so bikes (even e bikes) are only for the very fit and hardy.
Yes, often cancellations, sometimes a replacement bus is put in place but more often than not you have to jump in your car and travel when the rail network goes down.
Some outdoor spaces are okay to walk in during poor weather but not really socialise in for any length of time. There are some spots that are more sheltered and more protected from the elements (woodlands, away from river flood plains etc) Good clothing required if you venture outside. I do not think people come to the Highlands for the weather! If you are looking for sunshine it's not your top pick!
If there is snowsports and a good winter, the ski centres and their access roads are always busy. Loch Morlich and Glenmore is so crowded during good weather and at peak holiday times, local people no longer go there.
Would be good to look at more "bothy type" shelters along key leisure routes to shelter or picnic in regardless of weather. Bring back into use old bothies and unused buildings on estates and make them a cultural destination or feature to show off our natural landscape and tell our stories.
Not really. Caper declining, less snow hare and Ptarmigan seen on hills.
Our building standards regulations are a disgrace - we need to build to at least scandinavian standards and have things like rain water, white goods appliance water recoery, solar, triple glazing, high qual insulation as standard building design and construction requirements.
In Gratown on Spey most of the road flood drains are blocked with silt and this causes flooding in houses on lower ground. The flood drains need to be cleared properly. The council are notified but the only thing that has happened is cosmetic - the road sweeper has swept the kerb but the drains remain blocked with rubbish filled up by last storm.
Yes in Grantown. Excellent response system during covid.
Every village needs a climate resilience plan and thought needs to be given to suitable buildings for cooking, gathering and warming people if a serious event occurs. Back up generators for loss of power? Create a buddy system in the village so vulnerable families and people are checked on regularly.
Yes, more intensive rainfall and possiblty drier in summer. More extreme wind and temperature events.
I doubt it - it would depend how disruptive.
Review key infrastructure, and upgrade make provision through resilience plans for flood, wind and temperature events
National Rail Network
Heavy rain, High winds, Rapid freeze and/or thaw, Snow

Dorback
So far so good.
Reliance on an overhead low voltage electricity supply makes us vulnerable to high winds
Flooding was a problem which we have managed by installing a storm drain
Yes - but a 4WD is essential in winter. I propose investing in a snow plough attachment for my quad.
The growing season is limited at this height (330m) a problem solved by the installation of a Polycrub. The problem is how to manage excess heat rather than cold
not relevant
Pretty much, if you prescribe too the idea that there is no such thing as bad weather - just the wrong clothes! Common sense must apply though
we have instigated a 5 year rewilding project that has included tree planting, wetland restoration and maintaining natural pasture
The tree planting has been largely native broadleaf with no exotic planting. The pasture includes naturally seeding wildflowers in season. The pond attracts waders, ducks and otters. We are seeing goldeneye and goosanders for the first time this year. Toads and frogs now spawn here. We see a large variety of polinators. Rewilding attracts will things which include the midge, ticks and adders.
We have made major efforts to insulate the property and optimise the heating system by installing biomass
Roof tiles need replacing regularly. The storm drain installation protects us from future flooding (we hope)
Yes. The Dorback community is as strong as it could be with links to the wider community in Nethybridge and Grantown
We do support each other
The only relevance for this question relates to our Air BnB guests in winter that arrive in 2WD vehicles. We offer them support as the Dorback Road can become impassable at times for some vehicles
We do
What could help businesses/services cope or get up and running again following extreme weather?
Not relevant to us
I am expecting more extreme weather events. particularly high winds that will take out our electricity supply.
I think it likely that the flow in our burn will reduce as the weather gets warmer.
I am hoping hat the changes we are making will provide some degree of proitection against adverse weather events in the future.
Yes - by improving renewable energy generation and storage
yes - i am implementing them.
I am responsible 20 or so acres of the national park. I hope that the tree planting and rewilding that we have instigated will create a wild space that nature can take over and populate. I will do my best to give the woodland a chance to become established accepting that I wont be around to see the process completed. I am confident that barring major disasters outwith my control the resilience of nature will manage this space for the future however the climate changes.
Heavy rain, Snow, High temperatures, Rapid freeze and/or thaw, Long periods without rain, Ice, High winds

Home
In July 2021, a sudden deluge caused our burn to burst its banks. Our drive was washed away in a few minutes. The remedy was to install a storm drain! I never thought that would be necessary in the highlands.
Difficult to say as there is so much variation in the climate at the moment with a tendency to more severe episodes of weather.
One cant do anything without data so i am measuring weather data on a daily basis.

Creagan Beaga - Road
The road fell away due to water being trapped on the road.
Increased frequency of rainfall and increased volume of water tied to significantly less maintenance on the roads led to the issue.
Highland Council rebuilt the road and have improved some of the drainage in that location.

Alba Sunrise B&B
During a very windy and stormy night in January this year we had a section of roughcasting fall off the outside of our house.
We have only been here two years so unable to comment on change over time.
We have planted trees in the hope that it will provide shelter and protection from the wind in future as well as soaking up the ground water. We hope this will turn the land into viable pasture. It is quite water logged at the minute. Over 200 trees planted (approx £300). We planted different species of trees to encourage biodiversity and wildlife.
We want to drain the land properly in the future. We also wish to better prepare our roof for future storms. We have not done any of this yet due to lack of funding. The building work for replacing the roughcasting is booked in for this year.

Home
During Storm Malik, one of a number of named storms in the winter of 2021/22, a tree was blown down from a neighbouring property, causing significant damage to our garden and outbuildings.
Yes. The climate is subtly but definitely changing - our area is home to several roosts of Soprano Pipistrelle bats, and they appear to arrive earlier and depart later every year. For example, in our first year here (2018), they began nesting in the first week in May, but now arrive in the middle of April. Similarly, it is now usually late October when they clear the roost, whereas in the past it was late September / early October.

Brough, Dunnet
We have lived in Brough for the past 15 years and have noticed significant changes in the weather patterns, with longer, milder, more stormy winters. Our house is in an exposed spot (not unusual for on and around Dunnet Head - there isn't much shelter) and our home has experienced significant damage during storms.
One other factor we have noticed is that the Highland Council is no longer as prepared or proactive when it comes to winter weather. We had few problems with the gritting and clearance or roads when we first moved (we were very impressed), but it has definitely deteriorated in recent years, with school closures and bus route cancellations a frequent occurrence.
As mentioned above, longer, milder and stormier winters, with short, sharp spells of cold weather.
We have installed a new, more energy efficient boiler, a wood-burning stove as a back-up, and have made improvements to the roof, including nailing down every tile. We would have liked to have installed a renewable heating system, but the expense was prohibitive, and it would have required us to move out of our home whilst all the floors were lifted and underfloor heating was installed.

Ardendrain
High winds in Feb 2022 caused damage to trees in garden
Increased strong wind events
Creating spaces for nature

Holm Burn
In summer 2022 the burn near Dores Road dried up for a few months
I’d never seen this happen to the burn before. I found it quite astonishing as the burn has quite a deep channel at the point.

Building
In Feb 2021 a short and sharp cold snap caused a significant freeze event in Inverness. Pipes burst in building causing damage and impacting services for months.
Better insulation and monitoring of building

Golspie Shore
Stormy seas are regularly flooding the beach front. One bad storm brought rocks and seaweed onto the A9 and a large boulder to the front of the CO-OP. The children's climbing frame was draped in seaweed.
The flooding is becoming a regular event and discussions around how to prevent it by the community council but many of the options have high costs.
The village has sandbags and metal gates installed along the sea front now. I would not consider buying property on the shore front.

Thurso
Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent throughout each winter with high winds which can cause damage to buildings, homes and infrastructure.
The extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. The seasons are merging together for example we year on year have milder autumns with an extended summer period.
For home now have winter maintenance which includes ensuring that items are strapped down in the garden, have replaced garden fences and sheds and have put greater fixings around them to combat high winds.

Fairly well
Regular risk of flooding especially for certain parts of Inverness.
Flooding
It's not too difficult within Inverness itself though access to areas just outside of Inverness is often restricted, having an impact on people commuting into the city for work.
Many people have to leave work early or not come into work when there is an extreme weather event (even for snow) as people on the outskirts of Inverness struggle with getting to and from the city. As a result many business tend to close, cultural events are cancelled and deliveries are delayed.
Within the city centre there are a few nice areas for people to meet in nature, especially along by the river Ness. However when flooding occurs on the Inverness islands (a number of times a year) this area is closed off, creating a significant loss of space for people to meet and exercise. There a couple of parks / playing fields which are not as affected but these are not as easy to congregate / walk in. This feels quite different to a lot of other (Victorian planned) cities that have a greater number of parks and green spaces in the city. Inverness obviously offers huge access to the outdoors nearby, however public transport to these places is extremely poor and so for those without a car this feels off limits and green spaces in the city can ironically feel slim, especially when they are off limits due to flooding.
Better public transport to other parts of the Highlands, including on the outskirts of Inverness.
It is nice to see community owned or managed woodlands in the city but these could be supported more.
Noticeable reduction in insects. Loss of tree diversity.
Extreme risk of damp in many houses in Inverness due to poor insulation and/or suitable ventilation. The lack of insulation also makes many houses either very cold or very hot in extreme weather patterns. As a result fuel poverty is a huge issue here. High winds often cause damage to roofs.
In the past few years we have witnessed many damaged rooves and buildings due to storms and high winds. On our street alone we have witnessed many repairs on buildings carried out following storm damage.
The community in the specific area in which we love, in crown hill Inverness, is very supportive. Crown connects is a community hub that is very organised and keeps the community together, and there is still a spirit of community, mutual aid and care which feels quite lacking in many other parts of the city (even a few streets away). However as properties are being bought up for air BnB within our community, as is happening elsewhere, this sense of community is very rapidly eroding. This has happened dramatically within the space of a couple of years.
Better connection, sharing food or resources if unavailable, checking in on each other.
Many businesses are forced to close due to extreme weather, usually due to staff not being able to travel in safely.
Not that I'm aware of.
Support in making transport routes safer quicker. Provision of more regular and reliable public transport.
Everything effects everything! Given that we rely on imports for most of our food consumption, weather effects in other locations have a direct impact on the produce available here. Ferry links being cancelled regularly has an impact on businesses and cultural events etc. There are socio-political repercussions, with the displacement of people across the world, and indeed across the Highlands, with some places becoming less habitable (such as rising sea levels in the western isles, which affects insurance and mortgages and makes it harder for people to settle there). There are so many other examples!
There are terrifying maps that show half of Inverness being underwater by 2050, especially areas by the coast and along the river. It feels as though extreme weather events will happen more frequently and more dramatically in the years to come.
There have already been flood defences put in place along parts of the river. However this does not seem adequate to meet the extent of flood risk and will soon become inept. The draining system could immediately be improved to reduce the risk of flooding.
More resources to communities. Participatory budgeting.
Better flood defences. The Highlands council?
I find it too scary to think about the future. There are several adaptations that could take place but most effective ones require an entire restructuring of our economy, something that still feels very far off!
Heavy rain, Snow, High winds, Rapid freeze and/or thaw, Ice

Strathconon
Really well
there is a variety of terrain and natural shelter from.the hills. The houses are mostly high above the river. The river doesn't often burst it's banks.
Vulnerable to being power cuts
Yes, if you have right vehicle. Gritter comes up the road
Power cuts
Yes, small village with a village hall
Land ownership makes this an impossible question to answer. We live on an estate the forestry clear fell large areas and then spray toxic chemicals on new planted trees which does nothing for wildlife habitats., Or run off from the hills.
I don't know
Not on our home
Moderately
Probably
No idea what will happen, probably more drought and flooding. Less snow.
Land use in more hands and more families living here. Having a village reservoir for drinking water. Places to keep stores of food for longer periods.
Working with an equipment cooperative, and local food supply.
Snow, High winds, Long periods without rain

Barevan
Heavy heavy rain in winter, landing on compacted farm land resulting in our house flooding from under the floor, as the water table rose.
Flooding seemed to happen more and more.
Tried to address with farmer about compacted soils, but to no avail. Flooding seemed to be increasing each year. Ended up having to leave property because it was flooding.

Golspie Village
A forest fire in 2018 caused concerns that the village might have to be evacuated and threatened power lines. When the wind changed we had ash raining down in the village.
Forest fires are a threat over the summer but it seems the risk is starting to be present all year.
No although I am aware of the fire risk

We’re having increasingly disturbed sleep during the summer months as a result of heat. This is noticeable because when we first moved to the village in 2017, the subsequent summers were largely fine, but the last couple of years have resulted in us having to take increase action during the day to minimise temperature at night (like keeping curtains and windows closed) as well as having to often sleep without a duvet. It’s particularly challenging for our young son, who struggles to sleep if the the temp in the room is over 25 degrees, which it now frequently is.
Yes. Definitely fewer freezing or snowy days in the winter, and many more significantly warmer days in summer (depending on where the jet stream is sitting on a given summer). We’ve also noticed many more mosquitoes over the past couple of years than previously.
We’ve tried to insulate our home to a high standard to alleviate costs of fuel during cold periods in the winter, but this means the house also traps heat in the summer.

Strathconon
Lived here 10 years. In this time out private water supply has dried up three times. Once in 2013, then again in 2021 and 2022. Usually only for a 2-3 weeks. Not sure how usual this is. We cannot afford a borehole. The river Meig or loch Meig hasn't dried up as yet.
Not especially, other than the frogs started mating earlier than previous years this year. I'm not sure 10 years is long enough to observe changes.
Not yet, but we probably ought to think about more water resilience. Rainwater collection to water garden crops.

Sconser - Raasay Ferry
We have experienced extended ferry disruption due to weather. This is our only supply & transport link, so affects how we can travel off island as well as the island's supplies.
Stronger Storms
Keep the house well stocked up.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 8 May 2023.

Edinbane
My neighbour used to collect data for the Met office. During the '90s the rainfall jumped 10" a year. In the 2000s annual weather routines got muddled so you could have gales between the spring and summer equinoxes and so may and september would no longer be warm and sunny. It went very erratic 2010 on with a new trend of an early spring warm spell and then later bright but very cold weather many years.
Yes, as well as above intense rain sometimes more than earlier by loads
My home is super insulated and very comfy. if current trends continue it'll flood…
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 4 June 2023.

Evanton
Pretty well.
It's reasonably sheltered by the Evanton Woods and the village doesn't have any obvious "corridors" between buildings acting as funnels for wind. The slope down to the village centre does cause flooding from time to time in heavy downpours because the storm drains are inadequate.
The increase in housing, and in particular car traffic, will result in additional roads (with run-off) and more air pollution.
The flooding issue mentioned would be a problem for properties in the area close to where the water builds up, and in 2006 there was very severe flood damage to the west of the village, with sections of road washed away completely in one storm, with holes up to 3 feet deep and 20 feet long appearing, covering up to half the road in some places.
It's generally okay but in icy conditions some pavements and roads are treacherous, being in shadow and therefore likely to stay frozen for long periods. There are few really exposed areas.
I'm not aware of any problems like this, other than access onto the A9 or with delays or cancellations to bus services. The north line train passes through the village but doesn't stop, in spite of there being a platform, and in spite of there having been a significant petition from residents for it to do so. Having an alternative means of public transport to the bus would be useful, especially for occasions when the Kessock Bridge is closed because of high winds.
The Evanton Woods is community owned and managed, and is well run, but also very well used. There are events and activities running most weeks and frequently daily. There is a log cabin that can be used for group events with a compostable toilet next to it and another open-sided building in another part of the woods with barbecue facilities. The paths are in good condition and the volume of activities and people using the woods mean I generally feel safe to be there. Others, especially single women, may feel differently though.
In addition to the woods there is a recreation ground, but I'm not sure how well that's use or who accessible it is currently as it's next to where the council is building new houses.
An area in the centre of the village has been made into a "village green" but it's not sued that often. And there is the Black Rock Park, taken up mostly by the football ground.
Lastly, it's relatively easy to get onto Novar Estate where there are numerous tracks, many associated with the wind farm, which are great for mountain biking, and paths going to the Cromarty Firth mean it's possible to get to the shore fairly easily.
Not to my knowledge, although the car park by the Kiltearn Cemetery is sometimes ridiculously full, especially in hot summer holidays and at New Year.
The only place where some improvement is obviously needed is alongside the River Skiach as it flows down past Balconie Castle Stables to the Firth. Paths were constructed from the road alongside the river down to the bridge and along the Firth and these have lasted well, other than in one place where the river in spate has washed away a significant part of the bank, eroding the path. In spite of gabion baskets and reinforcing having been done, as well as work on redirecting the river flow, the hole left by the erosion is still big with an overhang and steep drop to the river. This has resulted in walkers encroaching onto the field margin, to pass the area safely.
Yes. The number of swallows, swifts, martins, bats and insects have declined massively over the last couple of years.
We used to have bats nesting for part of the summer under the eaves of our house, and swifts under a different part. For the last few years we have had neither, and the number of swifts I've seen in the village has dropped to less than 6 this year. I've seen no bats at all.
The same is true of swallows. They are present in small numbers, particularly near the Cemetery, but otherwise very rare.
The number of birds such as yellowhammers, buntings, skylarks and thrushes has also declined to hardly any. I reckon myself lucky to hear one thrush anywhere in the village area now. And skylarks seem almost absent this year.
Conversely, the number of crows seems to have increased dramatically, although this may be due to the fact they're more obvious as they're raiding bird feeders in the garden incessantly this year - up to 12 crows at one time around one feeding station!
The number of ash trees now dead because of ash dieback is horrendous. On one stretch of track from the village down to Balconie Castle Stables there are probably as many as 10 dead ash trees.
I've also seen almost no poppies anywhere on roadsides this year, and very few oxeye daisies, though I'd put this down to spraying by farmers, not climate change.
In our garden I've noticed a proliferation of marsh orchids in the "lawn" - we now have 8 in an area measuring 15 feet by 15 feet. I initially thought this was due to the ground being damp and suited to them (there is a fair bit of moss) but I'm not sure that's all that explains their presence.
I can only comment on our house. This is a 200 year old stone built house with slate roof. The stone walls are up to 3 feet thick and keep the indoor spaces cool in summer but are almost impossible to keep really warm in the winter without serious heating.
We have replaced most windows with double glazed ones, have mains gas central heating and a wood burning stove in one room, and it's only with the use of a smart heating system (tado) that we've managed to keep the place warm without overheating some parts.
We are lucky in that the house was just high enough to avoid being affected by the flooding that took place in 2006 but our neighbours were less fortunate and they have found it almost impossible to get insurance since then I think.
A section of our wooden fence (constructed with gaps to allow wind to pass through) was blown down in the most recent storm, with 3 inch square wooden posts bolted to a concrete block wall snapped off. In the same storm a mature town tree (about 25 feet tall) was blown over with the roots lifted out of the ground.
I am in the process of repairing the fence and removing the stump of the tree which could not be saved.
In previous years we've had 2 greenhouses completely destroyed by storms, but that's partly due to siting and the way they were built I think, not only the strength of gusts. We've taken the decision not to have a greenhouse since then.
Evanton is generally a friendly place, with a reasonable sense of community, but like virtually every other village, there are several small groups of people who "drive" much of the community activities. For example there wood is managed by the Community Wood Company that is open to everybody, but where there are probably no more than 20 people who carry out work. There is now a "sharing shed" where excess food from the Co-op and other donations from residents (food and other good, books, toys, cosmetics) is available for anybody to take and use for free. This is not a food bank as it's unattended and is aimed at seeing the food etc used, rather than going to landfill, so there's no "testing" of need and it relies on trust. I'd say the fact that this is not abused indicates quite well the nature of the village, but it also relies on a small handful of people to open up, clean, close the facility.
There is an Evanton community web page and Facebook group and this seems well used and I've seen several posts from new people moving to the village looking for advice and help, which again suggests there is a perception that the community is welcoming and supportive.
Lastly, during the lockdown in the pandemic, it was really noticeable how active some young folk were in making sure elderly neighbours were okay and had access to anything they needed.
Not sure, but I suspect the reaction to looking after neighbours during the pandemic, and the other "community support" measures described above would all be put to good use in situations where need arose.
Not sure, as I don't run a business and work from home part time. I'm astonished how brilliant our local Co-op is though - nothing seems to be a problem for them and they always seem to have a good stock of a wide ranges of food, much more than just the essentials.
The Post Office shut last year with the death of the post-mistress, and has been replaced with a post van visiting from Dingwall twice a week. It will be interesting to see whether this service is disrupted at all by extreme weather. I suspect mechanical or vehicle problems will be the ones we notice more often though.
Don't know.
I suspect the use of the facebook page and contacts by word of mouth would result in a number of people providing help if needed in these situations. There seems to be a good range of people with practical abilities in the village so we're lucky from that point of view.
If the Kessock Bridge is shut due to high winds and the road from Beauly to Inverness is closed due to flooding or fallen trees, we are effectively cut off from Inverness and the south. this has happened occasionally in the past, but it seems to be growing more likely year by year.
Also, the road to Dingwall from the Cromarty Firth Bridge has been shut several times in the last few years because of landslides. This results in traffic going on the old A9 (the Back Road) which is single track in many places and very unsuitable for HGVs and heavy traffic, with blockages always occurring. Again, once that happens, it's difficult to get anywhere!
My crystal ball is not very accurate on a geolocation basis, but I'd expect severe weather events (high winds, flooding, periods of no rain, periods of high temperatures) to occur more often, albeit unpredictably. I'd also expect winters to be less severely cold, but possibly to drag on with prolonged low temperatures affecting growing seasons, heating costs, maintenance and outdoor work. Not to mention the impact on wildlife, especially insects and the animals and plants that depend on them.
Probably not. There seems to be piecemeal investment and the local authorities have been under-funded for decades, most noticeable with potholes in roads becoming horrendous and road resurfacing being very patchy, literally.
More investment, funded by much higher taxes on the super rich... Don't get me started.
Probably also much much more education on mitigating factors that people can/should take to reduce their impact on global warming. For many people it's such an enormous issue they don't see they can do anything meaningful to change it positively - that needs to change.
I can think of a few things that might "pre-empt" problems already seen from extreme weather (e.g flooding), such as better drainage and making certain parts of the village restricted driving areas.
As to who would be responsible for these, I'd imaging the council and/or community council. But I'd have to say I would expect there to be enormous push back as people generally are too selfish, and currently, too poorly educated on what measures they can/should take themselves.
I'm not sure I'd go so far as to call it a vision, but I'd like to see the community council press for making the streets more difficult to use by cars, providing separated cycle lanes, but also using wind farm money it receives to support people to get into cycling more (why couldn't the community council provide either e-bikes for older people or maybe even have a bike hire facility in the village centre?)
I'd also like to see the Co-op's brilliant facility for recycling soft plastics (like chocolate bar wrappers) increased hugely in capacity, with better signage to encourage use.
There are quite a few people who grow lots of fruit and veg in the village - while the sharing shed is available, often they'll have either excess seedlings or a glut of crop that others might benefit from. It would be good to see a mechanism set up to enable these to be either given away or at least swapped? Or maybe both? Swapping might encourage more people to grow more?
Lastly, re transport more generally, I'd like to see Evanton station reinstated and the trains stopping here regularly again, I'd like to see a new separate access road built from the new houses at Teandallon on to the road out of the village, to avoid congestion in the centre, and finally, improvements to the junction with the A9 after the railway bridge - probably the most cost effective traffic control measure would be a roundabout.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 8 June 2023.

Coul links
This is not specifically weather related directly, rather being about environmental damage generally.
There is (still) a proposal to build a golf course on Coul Links, in spite of this proposal having been refused before on environmental grounds because of the importance of the site.
If the golf course is allowed the natural habitat and resilience to certain effects of climate change will be damaged, thus weakening the area's ability to handle extreme weather events like flooding from storms.
No.
Objected to the planning proposal for the golf course at every opportunity.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 8 June 2023.

Grantown 'Bathing Pool'
I have so many memories here but one that sticks out is my brother throwing snowballs at me when I was swimming in the freezing water, but it feeling even colder once I'd got out!
I come down to the river most days, to walk or sometimes swim and it tells me a lot about the weather. When there's a storm or flash flood, the river swells and speeds up fairly fast, and the usual rocks disappear under the water. When there's snow melt, it's so cold, and in the winter the sand freezes rock solid! When there's a drought, invisible rocks appear and the beach grows in sizes. I find the drought scary because it doesn't look like the river I know - I can see the bottom of rocks that are normally hidden.
Not really. I survey wildlife along this stretch of the sometimes, but it's not my land so I don't know what else I could do. I really care about this place so I would like to do something.

Boblainy forest
Wanted to flag a moth present in this area - presence of Pine Tree Lappet moth. Not causing problems for the trees currently.
Ongoing presence of the moth in this area
Ongoing vigilance for pests and diseases as is the case on all of the FLS forests

Ardnarff (Forestry and Land Scotland)
Some Phytophthora pluvialis infection on Western Hemlock trees in this area. The changing climate will have an effect on how pests and diseases behave going forward.
This is a new infection but not unusual - there are a few infections elsewhere in Scotland and these are being monitored.
Infected trees are being removed from this place and biosecurity used to reduce the spread of the disease.

Croft
Flooding and droughts have made managing our horses and livestock difficult. It makes it hard to manage grazing and working out what hay we need for the winter months.
We were camping on November last year on an unusually warm night but it was still snowing in may and that’s very rare up here!
Season patterns are changing, we are having warmth for longer into the winter then winter drags further into spring. It’s quite unpredictable with storms and the temps going up and down quite quickly.
We have put in new drainage systems for the storms so our land doesn’t get bogged down. We are buying hay as we need it rather than in bulk at the beginning of the winter so nothing gets wasted. We have changed the rotation of fields as the changes in seasons has changed the grazing

B863 commonly called the High Road leading from Glencoe to Kinlochleven
Driving home from work on 12/06/2023 the weather was torrential rain plus thunder and lightning, about 10mins into my journey a landslide happened just in front of me, it was like a very fast moving river of mud and rock coming off the hills straight across the road I immediately done a three point turn to go back the way I had just came, only too come up against another landlslide this time it was trees mud and rocks which was impassable, I was already on my mobile to the police to report the first landslide they stayed on the phone to me the whole time I was waiting on assitance, I was assisted by the police, plus a local lad and lastly the Glencoe mountain rescue team, in total I was stuck between the two landslides approx 1hour 30mins .
No I only ever worried about this road in the winter during snow and icy spells
No, I honestly had not given it a thought before this

Cannich
Hasn't had any.
There is no weather impact , questions seem weight towards generating a response you want , what makes it vulnerable is people accessing the countryside without understanding it and organisations trying to manage the environment without the necessary knowledge.
No none why are all the questions assuming a problem with weather?
No , we get on with it using appropriate means for the conditions.
No more than normal.
Buildings cope with the climate today same as they always did. We have building standing since the 40s and all still cope fine. The weather is not any different to what it's been in the past. The weather is normal so everyone carries on as normal.
No because the weather is not any different to what it’s been in the past.
Not really
Don’t have extreme weather events.
The weather is normal so everything carries on as normal.
Will have to see when the extreme weather starts if it ever does.
Not required
We don’t have extreme weather.
It only needs decent land management by people who understand the land , not rewilding fads.
It doesn’t need them
Will have to see if climate change happens
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 1 July 2023.

It is becoming wetter and stormier, especially in the spring and summer.
Just in the recent years the swallows who are here every year (at least 6 breeding pairs) disappeared one summer, because it was so wet and windy they couldn't get enough food. they therfore abondoned their nests and vanished, i'm assuming they went back to Africa early or headed south for better breeding and/or feeding areas.
Yes, the growing of vegetables, fruit and herbs ect, has become more problematic.
Built a greenhouse to address the wet and stormy weather hasn't really solved the issue of growing produce, still having problems growing even in there.. The climate is heating up, but summers feel more like an autumn.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 4 August 2023.

MacKay Road, Inverness
Have started seeing magpies for the first time during the last 2 years. Also got ants in the house for the first time this summer (eating the woodchip floor). Other species have not changed.
prone to overheating in the extremely hot summers of the last 2 years.
need to tie down structures in the garden (eg water butts) so they don't blow over when empty during periods of no rainfall and heavy winds,.
Excellent neighbours, all look out for each other, which builds a sense of community.
As the householder, we'd be expected to implement any climate adaptation measures.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 14 August 2023.
Heavy rain, Long periods without rain, High temperatures, Ice

Essich, Inverness
when cycling recreationally along the Essich Road, I spotted green parakeets in a tree at the roadside (2022), I've also seen magpies in Inverness in the last 2 years. They've been noticably absent from Highland previously. Seems to indicate new species moving in to the area due to warmer weather. What impact will this have on our native species?
Water levels in the Lochs around Inverness (both Loch Duntelchaig and Loch Ness) are noticably lower these last 2 years than previously, presumably a consequence of lower rainfall and warmer summers. I've regularly cycled past them (recreationally) for the last 6 years (approx), and started wild swimming during lock down, which I still do, so notice the absense of water! Also seen low water levels in various ponds around Inverness (eg Stratherrick Road / Stratherrick Park duck pond, pond in Lochardil woods). when out for a short walk from home.
use active travel wherever possible (usually cycle or take my bicycle on the train) and turned the thermostat down on the central heating, also holidayed locally to try and keep my carbon footprint as low as practicable and reduce my contribution towards climate change
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 14 August 2023.

Carrbridge
In August an intense rain storm (not forecast) caused localised surface water flooding as insufficient capacity of system to cope. Road became swimming pool and neighbour's garage flooded in very short period.
More extreme events.
Preparedness for prolonged power cuts
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 8 September 2023.

Bellfield Road junction box
On Friday 8th September, the whole of our street experienced a power cut which was as a result of an extreme deluge of rain, which filled the junction box with water causing a short circuit that set the plastic coatings of the wires on fire. The power was out for 5 hours, with a significant number of SSE staff deployed to fix the issue.
Yes, there have definitely been more frequent and extreme rainfall events since we moved here in November 2017.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 15 September 2023.

Darach Social Croft
Fairly well really.
What features make this place vulnerable or resilient to hazardous weather?
We personally have a 4x4 and a quad bike that we can use. We are also fortunate that the village has its own gritter and snowplough. Most things are built in the anticipation that there will be high winds and heavy rain.
When trees blow down people turn out with chainsaws and clear the road themselves.
Are there environmental or weather conditions which make this place feel unsafe?
When the snow is deep beyond where the snowplough and gritters go, the ditches on either side of the road can fill with snow and there are no snow poles to mark the edges of the road. This only happened one or two days a year though.
Yes, generally. The ferry doesn't run during high winds though.
As above, you can drive round the Loch to get off the peninsula.
Yes, we have lots of ancient woodland and forests.
Not really.
I think that natural spaces could always be expanded and better supported!
More butterflies this year than previously I think. The deer seem to be coming down from the hills later this year than usual.
They seem OK as far as I am aware.
Not that I have noticed.
Yes, people are generally willing to help each other out, especially in an emergency.
Checking on each other regularly. Ensuring that those with wood fired heating help those without during power cuts by taking flasks of hot water etc. although this already happens really.
Yes, the tourist based businesses tend to see a boom in extended periods of warm weather and a drop during long spells of wind and rain.
The local shop does home deliveries and people tend to help each other during weather events.
Increased water levels.
I believe so, although there are plans to look at making the village self-sufficient through renewable energy.
As above with locally generated renewable energy.
Not sure
More locally generated renewable energy.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 16 September 2023.
Heavy rain, High winds, Long periods without rain, Ice, Snow, High temperatures, Rapid freeze and/or thaw

Nairn
I walk regularly around the river and pathways in Nairn, and noticed the early budding of trees and shrubs, due to warmer winter weather, leading often to a brief sharp frost which meant no fruit on trees. The horse chestnuts in autumn are ripening earlier but small and fewer, possibly related to the prevalent dry summers. Crops such as spinach are bolting much earlier snd seed heads appearing. Sharp changes in temperature are difficult to adapt to for humans, who have the luxury of heating when needed, but what about the animals and birds? A river flood took the nest of our favourite dipper, and we have not seen one dipper this summer into autumn .
Yes, as above, crops, trees, animak and birds life at times struggling to adapt to extremes of weather.
We reuse abd repurpose all, we waste very little, buy local products, shop at our community enterptise Highabd Weigh as it helps us reduce plastic and reuse, cycle or walk, and have planted trees and shrubs, flowers which attract insects.

Nairn Beach
In early September 2023 there was a heat wave and it was 22C degrees at 8pm at Nairn beach and the sea was warm. The high sea temperatures meant that there were lots of basking sharks in the area which normally are found on the west coast. The high sea temperatures also meant that lots of seabird (auks) which normally feed on sandeels found in cold seas were resorting to coming close to shore to look for other food sources.
I don't remember it ever being so warm so late at night in September in my lifetime. This made we worry about the implications for wildlife.
I work in the environment sector on peatland restoration projects overall help to reduce co2 emissions.

Nairn Beach
Last year whilst out walking, my husband and I saw a huge massive storm cloud gathering across the sea, a small boat rushing in to the harbour to escape it and before we made it home, we were absolutely poured down on - it was the worst storm we have ever seen in our area. It soaked us completely through to our undergarments, leaving us shaking, frozen, and iced through. This had been in the midst of a warm day in August 2022. I have wonderful stormy photographs but the system will not allow me to upload them, but I would love to share them with you.
I have seen the sands shift and the rocks along the coast take up different positions. We are noticing far more jellyfish, more starfish, and squids that are washed up on the beach and we make a massive effort to rescue them regularly. We scoop up the sand around stranded jellyfish and release them back into the water. They do not want to be beached and why should they suffer. We have noticed far more plastic and waste along the beach and I make every effort to litter pick and ensure the environment is safe for animals. If I see nets or ropes, I remove them. I think the weather changes more quickly than it did before, and I recall one particular day in January 2023 when the day began with sunshine, and by the time we got home, we had run the gamut of each different weather front - we had rain, hail, even snowflakes falling, and back to sunshine again. I have never ever seen that before.
I think you have to prepare by being open and flexible as to what you wear, how you view the changes,and how you cope with them. First and foremost, be clothed appropriately, with layers so you can add or take away if you are warm or cold. Allow yourself a head covering and waterproofs. Ensure you have wellies and warm socks, too. Ideally wear a sun hat in warmer weather, but we all need sunshine to thrive and grow. Its life giving, so don't get carried away with the sunscreen! Most importantly, learn to understand the wisdom of the Seasonal Nodes system perfected by the Ancient Chinese which is based on the passage of the sun around the earth = 360 degrees. Each 15 degree transit is approximately 15 days long, and dictates weather conditions mainly across the whole world. It is remarkably accurate and easy to follow and our own bodies follow its wisdom as we are microcosms of the macrocosm. As we move further away from the wisdom of Nature and the natural world, it becomes increasingly erratic, and difficult to predict. However, if we could learn to live in tune with it, we would find it is not so difficult to understand. We have to listen, observe, and understand. In the Ancient Chinese Wisdom of the Tao, there is understanding based on observation. The Chinese have a phase known as the observational phase, and have proved many things which actually exist in Nature exist in tandem with the human body, including the Five Elements system which also helps us to understand that the Earth is central, governing Late Summer, the Springtime governs the element of Wood, the Summer is governed by the element of Fire (Sun), and the Winter by the element of Water (ICE AND SNOW) and the Autumn by the element of Metal - where we are now. We also have the correlation of the systems of the human body in these elements so that Water = Kidneys, Wood = Liver, Fire = Heart, and so forth. Moving away from Nature only harms us. The Way = Tao.

Oldshoremore
Was up here in late June and we had a heatwave for about 3 days. Locals said it had started a couple days previous of our arrival. Temperatures where around 30 degrees the whole time we were there.
Yes, I have been going to the highlands around 8 years and it seems to be getting hotter and drier.

Negatively impacted - we had such torrential rain on 11 June 2023 that our drive was covered in debris which had been washed off our roof. It was a shock because our house is only five years old, it's not as if there was layers and layers of moss. The sheer force of the rain had driven stuff onto the ground and everyone else's drive was the same as ours. We weren't actually at home whilst the deluge happened, we were stuck on a train from Glasgow to Inverness - no progress was possible beyond Aviemore because the signalling systems had been knocked out by lightning. I was quite shocked by the whole experience because it was only June - early summer. In the past I've associated thunderstorms with late summer.
Yes, summertime weather in the Highlands seems to be more unsettled generally. More wind, very hot spells followed by long thundery spells (forecasts in July and August often showed thunder for Nairn, week after week).
We bought a house away from a river or the sea.

Ullapool Area
This year i was planning out when i would do my foraging and thinking about community events to go along side. From memory bramble season was always through september and i to October. This year it started much earlier and they are all now pretty much fone or past their best. It was probably a result of the very hot summer we had, but it made me quite worried that the autumn months would be changing and we would have such a bountiful harvest. The apples also all seem to be ripe earlier. People i have spoken to have memories of picking apples and juicing them in the october holidays, but this year it again seems much sooner.
I have loved here since i was 3. And the past couple years are the first time i have found it too hot. It has reached very high temperatures that were uncomfortable t o go out in (especially for someone used to the cool scottish climate) i worry about how this could continue to rise in years to come
I think time is the biggest investment i have made. Time to harvest and process produce as and when its ready. Adapting our habits and clothes to fit the changing weather conditions. And do as much as we can to limit our carbon footprint.

Nairn Allotments
This year I have noticed that the crops that I planted did not establish themselves early in the season due to the very warm and dry late spring we had.
Last year I managed to grow a variety of produce at the expected time.
I think I will spend some time planning what and when to plant and next year, perhaps choosing to plant different crops or plant things later in the season.

There have been a few memorable rain storms in the last few years.
It feels a bit wetter and this year has been windier( or feels it)
The river is a spate river and the number of trees swept down feels more in the last couple of years.
Our garden has little loose items in it to stop things flying about. As we’re slightly higher we should be affected by flooding but other parts of the town will be.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 3 October 2023.

Nairn central beach
After storm Babet I noticed that the large boulders that have been positioned along the top of the beach and line the promenade have been lifted and shifted by the high and wild seas over the weekend. Coastal erosion in action.
I've only lived in Nairn for four years, but I've never seen the boulders shifted by the sea.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 24 October 2023.

Fassfern Kinlocheil
Our first full year of growing vegetables and it's been warmer and wetter than we thought. The wind is usually from the West but it's been more South Westerly and then Easterly. When it rains it's downpours more than it used to.
Over a 4 year period.
Had to make open drainage channels for water to get away as the deluges are causing problems with water not getting away quick enough.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 27 October 2023.

Pitcalnie
Flooding from uneven highland council pavements on the perimeter of our privately owned house that dip towards our house and cause water to pool/ flood our air source heat pump (our only source of heating and hot water) and upto our front door/ front garden too. Also felt trapped/ isolated at home because roads surrounding our house completely: badly flooded. We have a normal car and almost got stranded in the floodwater trying to get to Tain 9 miles away to get sandbags (which had all gone when got to Tain!)….so perilous and lack of sandbags/ flood defences in our rural area and high is at risk from all the floodwater accumulating on surround common land (owned by highland council) and farmer fields. So felt very stressed/ anxious. Also saw 4 trees swaying which are planted immediately next to our property and the communal residents carpark…. So couldn’t sleep as scared the trees would fall and damage our cars and property. These trees are owned by highland council… and no maintenance or attempts to lop them carried out to ensure safe area during storms. We feel neglected out in Pitcalnie, *****!
Yes… getting immensely windier and wetter in last 3 years particularly. And a lot more coastal erosion in the last 3 years… which didn’t see happen so rapidly before on Easter Ross peninsula. The winds are very high, harsh, cold over oct to march time and the rains loosen the ground… leading to lots of trees falling
I do not have control over council owned trees and pavements and issues on the surrounding roads and coasts that cause problems in this area
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 1 November 2023.

Wildfire
Wildfire in May 2018. Spread because of extremely dry conditions.
It's not something you would expect in the Highlands but it's happening more and more often because of extreme conditions caused by climate change.
Not much you can do other than be aware and stress the importance of not starting fires by accident.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 17 December 2023.

Cromarty
How does this place cope with hazardous weather events?
Increased storminess is a concern, so far houses have been OK with only one temporary flooding. Parts of the nearby shore and path have been eroded. Run off from field as a result of heavy rain (and increased soil compaction and soil profile destruction) cause overwhelming of drains, and loss of soils to the sea - where murky waters make seabird feeding difficult - that and storminess has given a large increase in seabird mortality.
What features make this place vulnerable or resilient?
The settlement lies just above sea level, and below farmland that causes flooding from above. The shore road to Jemimaville is already more hazardous through flooding and is vulnerable to increased storminess and sea level rise.
Are there environmental or weather conditions that make this place feel unsafe?
As in above answers - increased storminess and prolonged heavy rain are a concern.
Is it possible and/or comfortable to move around in different weather conditions?
So far - largely - though risks are increased.
The invasive non-native species are spreading more rapidly - of particular concern in this area is Butterbur which is now spreading at speed - and does so by rhizomes - making control a challenge.
Old houses = cold unless you have enough money to retrofit - many people don't.
Increased green algae on many buildings is noticeable as a result of a warm wet winter.
Cromarty is generally seen as such, but like all communities there are divisions - and since becoming attractive to wealthier people, and there being more second homes this is more pronounced.
Yes - much of it is likely to be underwater.
Drainage isn't coping.
Fairly well really.
What features make this place vulnerable or resilient to hazardous weather?
We personally have a 4x4 and a quad bike that we can use. We are also fortunate that the village has its own gritter and snowplough. Most things are built in the anticipation that there will be high winds and heavy rain.
When trees blow down people turn out with chainsaws and clear the road themselves.
Are there environmental or weather which make this place feel unsafe?
When the snow is deep beyond where the snowplough and gritters go, the ditches on either side of the road can fill with snow and there are no snow poles to mark the edges of the road. This only happened one or two days a year though.
Yes, generally. The ferry doesn't run during high winds though.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 10 January 2024.
Heavy rain, High winds, Long periods without rain, Ice, Snow, High temperatures, Rapid freeze and/or thaw

Cromarty
Vegetable growing is now more of a challenge - The Spring often starts warmer, earlier, but then the temperature drops to a long spell of cold. In the last several years later Spring into Summer has included a long spell of dry weather where I've had to resort to watering veg beds. In fact I now set up the beds with a watering seep hose laid out ready for these occasions - something I would have never contemplated in the past.
Yes - wildly fluctuating temperatures from warm to cold, in all seasons. Later autumn leave drop, and grassland areas dying back much later, or not at all. Very little snow falling in the winter.
Many of the changes aren't affordable to us - although we're investigating secondary glazing (being in a conservation area makes replacement double glazed sash too expensive) - and we do have lots of woollen jumpers, heavy curtains for windows and doors! We would be keen to move to more renewable energy sources if we could afford to do so. Increased storminess and sea level rise is an obvious concern.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 10 January 2024.

Betty Hill
Weather can be glorious here. The beach is not as exposed as in other places. It is on the North Highland Way.
I do not live there, but pass through often, and have not seen a great deal of change.
No.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 13 February 2024.

Shoremill Cromarty
A winter of regular storms and heavy rains combined with agricultural practices has led to the road being regularly flooded and soil and sand filling roadside drains and covering roads. Repeated visits by Highland Council need to clear roads.
Yes. This frequency of flooding is new. It reflects both changing climate and the need to change agricultural practices - including not ploughing up and down hill - which has long been know to cause run off and erosion.
This is a route way beside the sea - there is a limit to what can be done.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 22 February 2024.

Poyntzfield
A winter of regular storms and heavy rains combined with agricultural practices has led to the road being regularly flooded and soil and sand filling roadside drains and covering roads. Repeated visits by Highland Council need to clear roads. The same pattern has been seen at Shoremills.
Yes. Increased storminess, gales and intense rain periods.
*Originally submitted to the Highland Weather & Climate Story Map Commonplace Platform on 22 February 2024.

Home of the North Highland Way
When I lived there from 1999 to 2014 we experienced a wide range of weather. High winds were normaly.
Yes... There are fewer puffins.
None at the moment

Streets at Beach front
Sand dumped in large quantities onto the streets by a storm, this has happened twice in the past few years but before that was many many years since it has happened

Brora Back Shore
The coast at Brora is experiencing increased stormy weather, leading to instability and erosion along the back shore. This is causing damage to the archaeological sites linked to the area's salt and coal industries. Thanks to the dedication and support of The SCAPE Trust, Clyne Heritage Society, and the Brora Salt Pans Research group, these vulnerable sites were excavated and the findings were preserved for future generations. Since 2009, The rate of current change has been the greatest recorded since the late 18th century. The Brora Salters help raise awareness of these issues at community salt-making events.

Skye & Lochalsh
There seems to be a worrying increase in landslide and landslide in the area. The most recent at Totaig where tourists in the path below had to literally run for their lives. Recent landslides on the A87, A890 and also A82 have blocked traffic to and from Inverness with huge detours. The Moll road on Skye, an unclassified single track, was blocked by a landslide a few years ago and has been closed ever since. This road was often use as a detour if there was a RTA at a well known accident spot.
As for the rest, it's definitely not getting any warmer and no signs of rising tides. Roads that are coastal are still there and only flood during hiighest of tides and a storm surge. Just as it's always done.

Culloden Battlefield Trail
We've lived in Inverness for two years near wooded areas, and for the first two years, my kids would have to spend about two weeks catching baby frogs/toads to move behind our garden so that our poultry don't eat them. This was the first year that we barely saw any of the babies, and we certainly didn't have to load up hundreds of them daily in buckets to relocate as we used to.

Kinlochleven
Late snow in June and early snow in September
High rainfall, Unseasonable weather, Colder and early snow

Wattenon
I feel the weather in the Caithness is colder have lived here for 26 years and it's definitely going colder this year yet again summer never really happened just a few good days enough to get the hay making /silage done but not long stretches of warm settled weather I believe the climate is changing but here it's getting wetter and colder not warmer
Unseasonable weather, Change in plants or animals

Dalnabay, Aviemore
Flooding along the River Spey, more frequent storms, unseasonably cool summers, unseasonably mild winters.
High rainfall, Flooding, Storms, Unseasonal weather, Changes to human health

Millerton Avenue
High rainfall, Unseasonable weather, Change in plants or animals

Dingwall
We live near a beautiful, peaceful cemetery. The high winds and rain fall have been consistently damaging the head stones, with multiple, heavy marble columns falling down. The local council maintain the grounds very nicely, grass and trees are always looking good, but the increasing environmental damage on the stones seems to be too much.
What do you think could be done to help respond to these weather events or climate impacts?
Increased awareness and attention to maintenance of the masonry over and above the trees and grass.

Upper Camster
Lived here 16 years, last couple of winters have been very wet and burns have risen and flooded more times in those 2 winters than the previous winters put together. Also snowed in for 1st time earlier this year.

Our Hame
3 days of overcast or misty conditions

The Hirsel
Water source dries up annually, whereas it only dried up on rare occasions before. The weather patterns have shifted, so that the ground is too wet for farm vehicles and it's often raining during what was traditionally harvest time. We've stopped all cropping but hay, and that's even a chancy bet.
Drought, Change in plants or animals, Flooding, Unseasonable weather

Isle of Skye
I’ve noticed many more birds this year than previously; we have masses of house sparrows. I think it is because spring started so early, with consistently warmer weather, that the plants and animals became active sooner this year.
IV55 52, B884, Glasphein, Glendale, Highland, Alba / Scotland, IV55 8ZT, United Kingdom

Dingwall
‘I have noticed wildfires across the Highlands, and yesterday I was delayed on my journey to Aviemore by fire engines heading up to tackle some fires.’
Dingwall, Highland, Alba / Scotland, IV15 9RU, United Kingdom

Skye's coastline
There is so much more dolphins and lots more boats out and about.

Skye
It is harder to sleep because it is hotter at night.

Skye
Due to unseasonably hot summers when I take my dogs for walks they overheat sooner, getting all puffy and they had to have lots of water.

Insh
In Storm Floris, there was a power outage for a few hours, and trees that had fallen blocking the roads. I realised how vulnerable we can be without transport and electricity.  The roads were quickly cleared, the power returned after a few hours, and luckily our house wasn't damaged by falling trees too!

Strathdearn
...Very well done the team at Strathdearn during Storm Floris. Climate resilence planning and investment in the community paying off well. Project managers turned soup servers and staff on duty in Hub until midnight. Community residents - elderly and not so elderly , domestic and international visitors 'stranded' in powerless Pods and ABnBs mingling with each other charging phones, cooking food and enjoying a glass of wine and some chat. Some used the showers. This morning saw local folk at work in the Hub, hot desking and on Teams calls with power and Wifi. Damp cyclists on NCR7 enjoying the coffee and warmth. And elsewhere local chainsaws and a digger were at work clearing many fallen trees even before the cops arrived with 'road closed' signs. Well done all. Community at work!
Tomatin, Highland, Alba / Scotland, IV13 7YN, United Kingdom

Strathdearn
Like many of my community colleagues Strathdearn have also had a lengthy power outage. Thanks to our resilience plan of solar & battery storage plus a generator we have ‘weathered’ the storm. Shop/cafe & community hub have been able to keep the doors open & the lights on. Providing hot showers, soup for elderly who couldn’t get along was also dispatched. Mobile phone charging stations and the use of the kitchen to cook meals in the hub was a helpful warm space.Some projects deliver more than others, this was a winner! Thanks to the boys & girls at SSEN for getting us back on in dangerous conditions 👌🎖️
Tomatin, Highland, Alba / Scotland, IV13 7YN, United Kingdom

Slochd Mhor
30 July 2000 Localised cloud burst - slow moving weather system caused flooding and landslip damaging the A9(T). High capital cost to repair and threatened main road access to Inverness with closure. Nearby catestrophic damage to minor rood bridge  £300,000 to replace.

Dava Moor, Moray
June 2025, largest wildfire by area ever recorded for the UK - approximately 120 square miles.

Telford Street, Inverness
Telford Street experiences a temperate maritime climate, strongly influenced by the North Atlantic and the surrounding Highland landscape.
Summers are cool and fresh, with long daylight hours – I mean, 2025 was the hottest on record! Winters are relatively mild, and aside from on the nearby hilltops snow tends to be short-lived. Rainfall is frequent but not extreme, given the "rain shadow" Inverness sits within.
In many ways, I am blessed to live here, in a nestled part of the city which has nature on its doorstep; but this kind of coastal location means sudden gales and storm surges can, and do, strike.
The area is exposed along the Beauly Firth and storms funnel through, leading to rough conditions on the Caledonian Canal and Merkinch foreshore. Wind has been a major factor, and in the last 2 years the record-breaking 12 named storms have devastated a lot of the homes and infrastructure around here – myself and my neighbours have bonded so much over rescuing each others bins when they fly out onto the heavy-traffic streets!
Stormy periods can disrupt travel, damage property (especially slated roofs), and heighten flood concerns, particularly along our low-lying street where some of the older houses even experience subsidence due to being built on former marshes beside the River Ness.
Outside of the windy days, it's a stunning place to explore and admire, with skies opening up to the most gorgeous light over flat open waters. I enjoy seeing people learn to swim and kayak and play water sports for the first time, dogs chasing ducks while toddlers drop breadcrumbs, waving at neighbours living on docked boats or picking ripe brambles to make preserves later.
The varied weather supports saltmarsh, mudflats, and wetland habitats in the Merkinch Local Nature Reserve (a hidden gem in the city). Seasonal shifts in water levels and storms shape these ecosystems, refreshing feeding grounds – but sometimes causing erosion too.
Calm days bring runners, dog walkers, swimmers, anglers, and families to down canal to enjoy the outdoors, reinforcing community ties.

Lybster
As a child my brother and me had been given a sledge from the local blacksmith.  We used to get lots of snow.  We would go and sledge up and down the main road (A99). You couldn't sledge on there anymore with traffic but we definitely don't get the amount of snow we did when I was young. Hardly any in the winter and if it snows it doesn't last.

It was really hot this summer and I got heatstroke in Inverness, while working outdoors! I've never had it in Scotland before, especially not this far North. While I, and my Trade Union, have cold weather working policies, we don't have any for hot weather, because it is so rare in Scotland that this would be an issue - not anymore! Since this incident, my trade union and I have both implemented new hot weather working policy, and I have new protocols to follow during the summer/hot weather for both myself and my staff to keep everyone happy and healthy.

Old Mill Road, inverness
Chiffchaff and blackcap now over-wintering here

Cabrich
I returned home to the Highlands after many years to find my childhood memories challenged.  Inverness and the East coast of the Highlands in my memory is dry, at least much much dryer than the West central belt where I lived for many years.  Winters were colder with more snow but now we see warmer wetter weather.  Even the "lambing snow" doesn't seem to be a regular event.
It's hard to be objective but I'm certain I can see change.

Ardendrain
Storm Amy. 3rd Oct 2025. High winds, gusting at 80mph. Multiple trees down and uprooted. Power outage for 38 hours. Locals sharing that is was the wildest storm they’d seen in area. The high winds were very loud and scary.

Hill of Fearn
Since moving up here to the Highlands, I have definitely noticed storms getting worse. High wind speeds, the amount of rainfall, and damage to property and infrastructure, as well as coastal changes in the Seaboard Villages, just down the road from the village.
Although, the low-lying marine layers (sea fog) over the Cromarty Firth, a view I see from my flat window on a regular basis, are stunning! I’d never experienced these before moving up to Scotland, and it’s one of my favourite things about the ever-changing weather and landscape of the North Highlands.