Historic marine environment

The seabed makes up almost 50% of Scotland (out to 12 nautical miles offshore). Throughout history, Scotland’s coasts and seas have provided a source of food and energy, a means of defence from invasion, and a springboard for trade and communication between neighbouring communities and across oceans. As a result, a wide range of archaeological sites can be found on the foreshore and seabed.

Scotland's historic marine environment

Scotland’s marine historic environment comprises:

• remains of ships and aircraft lost at sea
• harbours, lighthouses and other structures relating to transport and trade by sea
• remains of human settlement at the coastal fringe. In some cases, sites may now be underwater as a result of changes in sea level
  

Although these sites are out of sight for most of us, Historic Scotland’s policy is that, so far as is possible, the nation’s underwater heritage should be managed, protected and investigated as carefully and thoroughly as its terrestrial equivalent.

Live issues

Historic Scotland has recently completed a Marine Review of the agency’s work in connection with the marine historic environment, and has recently appointed a Senior Inspector for Marine Archeology, to help progress matters at sea. On 5 March 2008, Scottish Ministers launched a consultation on a Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP) for the marine historic environment including proposals to protect nationally important marine historic assets in Scotland's territorial waters. The consultation closes on 30 May 2008.