Updated predictions for coastal flooding in Edinburgh highlight large areas of Leith and Musselburgh as “at risk” areas by 2050, according to Coastal Risk Finder.
In Leith, the risk zone stretches along the Water of Leith to Henderson Street, reaching as far inland as Bernard Street.
The River Esk is predicted to pose a significant flood risk to the Musselburgh area, with risk zones extending beyond Bridge Street, and east to Musselburgh Windsor Football Club.
Further flood risk continues along the entirety of the Lothian coast, with particularly large areas of potential flooding around North Berwick and Aberlady Bay Local Nature Reserve.
In response to the threat of rising sea levels, the Scottish Government announced a new £5m Community Flood Resilience Fund on 23 September, to be opened in 2027.
Climate Action and Rural Affairs Secretary Gillian Martin said “Since 2016, the Scottish Government has invested £612m to support local authority flood risk management, helping to deliver 21 flood protection schemes, with four further projects under construction, two under contract, and three progressing through development.”
This fund is part of the additional £15m dedicated to flood prevention outlined in the recent Programme for Government.
Adaptation Scotland’s 2025 report states that sea level rise has already led to increasing coastal erosion. If coastal defences are not maintained, this could cost approximately £1.2bn in assets, including 647 residential properties, and 55km of road.
Image by Rayan de Zeeuw on Unsplash
