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North of Scotland coastal communities spared wrath of high tides

Map shows the ocean swell forecast as approaching the west coast on Monday when wave heights are expected to be at their peak
Map shows the ocean swell forecast as approaching the west coast on Monday when wave heights are expected to be at their peak

Householders in coastal communities across the north and north-east breathed a collective sigh of relief yesterday as unusually high spring tides came and went without incident.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) had cautioned residents to be vigilant and prepare for potential disruption.

Low-lying coastal communities were said to be at particular risk due to high tides in the Moray Firth area on Saturday.

Experts have been warning of “supertides” around the spring and autumn equinoxes this year.

Vincent Fitzsimons, Sepa’s duty hydrology manager said: “Scotland has experienced some unusually high spring tides over the past few days.

“This is part of a natural cycle which occurs every 19 years due to the astronomical alignment of the Earth, moon and sun.

“These have had the effect of raising normal spring tide levels by only a few inches, but if low atmospheric pressure and strong winds are added to the mix then the combined effect results in an increased risk of flooding to vulnerable coastal areas.”

Portessie flood-victim Bill Cooper, whose house was flooded during the storms of December 2013, was taking no risks.

He said: “I made boards out of marine plywood, with rubber seals, which fitted into the doors and put sandbags down on top of that.”

“We had the high tides but luckily the wind has been from the south so it has not been a problem.

“Had the wind been blowing in from the north it might have been a different matter.

“The tide is pretty high but it is keeping the other side of the dyke for now.”