North Ayrshire Council

The Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) was adopted by North Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council in 2018. 

The SMP provides a large-scale assessment of the risks associated with coastal processes and information about the future management of these risks. The plan:

• prompts land use and policy changes
• recommends further studies to allow future physical protective measures

The Ayrshire SMP extends from Skelmorlie to the Galloway Burn, on the North-East edge of Loch Ryan. The islands of Arran and Great Cumbrae are included.

View documents:

• Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan (PDF, 9.8mb)
• Ayrshire SMP SEA Environmental Report (PDF, 5.5mb)
• Ayrshire SMP SEA Statement (PDF, 2.4mb)
• Ayrshire SMP Appendix A (PDF, 1.6mb)
• Ayrshire SMP Appendix B (PDF, 699kb)
• Ayrshire SMP Appendix C (PDF, 3.6mb)
• Ayrshire SMP Appendix D (PDF, 6.4mb)
• Ayrshire SMP Appendix E (PDF, 745kb)
• Ayrshire SMP Consultation Summary (PDF, 909kb)

The above documents are available to view at North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE.

Work to replace the adopted SMP is due to start in late 2024. The emerging plan will take account of predicted effects of climate change and recommendations contained in the Coastal Change Adaption Plan guidance, published by Scottish Government.