Fort George At Risk Due To Climate Change

Fort George, 18th-century fortress and British Army barracks in Inverness, Scotland, is at "very high" risk from climate change, according to a new report.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has carried out a climate change assessment into 352 sites.

They found that 28 sites are exposed to "very high" risk of risk of flooding, coastal erosion and slope instability, while 160 classified as "high".

Fort George was found at high risk to both coastal erosion and rising sea levels due to its location on the Moray Firth.

The report says increasing temperatures, rising sea and rainfall levels have affected historic buildings across Scotland, as these changes can alter the decay processes of archaeological sites and monuments.

The aim is now to use the results of the report to prioritise investment through conservation programmes.

The news follows the announcement of a £6.6m investment boost to support conservation work and upgrades at sites owned by HSE.

One of the finest examples of military engineering at the time, it is nowadays still operational barracks and home to 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

However, the Army is due to move out by 2032, and there are concerns about the work that will need to be done to keep Fort George for historic posterity. 

Cover picture courtesy of Graeme Smith.