From "The Independent", 22nd February 2005

A bleak forecast for the treasures of Scotland as climate change takes hold

For centuries, Scotland's man-made and natural treasures have withstood the tests of time and the elements.
But conservationists are warning that, within the next 20 years, many of the country's most important heritage sites could be destroyed by man's failure to combat climate change.
The National Trust for Scotland is concerned that many of the 120 properties it has responsibility for could be at risk from violent storms, rising sea levels and a dramatic change in temperatures that will devastate wildlife and cause extensive damage to buildings.
Historic houses such as Culzean in Ayrshire and Brodie Castle, Inverness, have already suffered damage. At Culzean, on a cliff above the sea, rising sea levels and violent storms have begun eroding the shoreline that, for centuries, has afforded the castle and its gardens protection.
At Brodie Castle, severe storms last August caused substantial water penetration into the drawing room of the house. Historic internal decoration was damaged as well as some important paintings and carpets.
According to the National Trust, its buildings, gardens and natural heritage are all likely to be affected to some degree from increased water levels, storm damage or, as forecast for some areas, prolonged periods of drought which could lead to ancient castle walls cracking and eventually collapsing.
Flooding will also have an impact on natural habitats in vulnerable areas while distinctive landscapes will undergo ecological change. Mountain species will be threatened by temperatures rising at a rate faster than that to which species and habitats can adjust.
On Ben Lawers, the highest peak in the central Highlands and a spectacular sight, the Trust fears specialised plants that live under late snowbeds could disappear because of snow melting earlier in the season at lower heights.
Likewise, the Mar Lodge estate at the heart of the Cairngorms stands to lose high-level arctic bird species such as snow bunting, dotterel and ptarmigan for the same reason.
Last week, the National Trust for Scotland joined 25 other environmental groups to launch a campaign aimed at challenging politicians to step up action to cut global climate change.
"Essentially, our main concern will be the increase in storm and water damage, caused by wind and rain and the effect that will have on our heritage, both in terms of damage, and increased maintenance costs in preventing damage," said Una Richards, the head of buildings for the National Trust.
"Brodie is but one example of the effect that extreme conditions are having on our properties and is a warning to us that, if climate change continues, this damage may be on the increase. The result will be increased insurance premiums and maintenance regimes, including more maintenance on gutters"
During storms last month the Trust's buildings suffered damage costing more than £250,000 after 120mph winds caused particular damage to the Inverewe garden at Poolewe in Ross-shire. More than 150 mature trees were blown down.

Reminds me of a movie...anyone catch the Day After Tomorrow flick?

I pray they take any precautiouns they can...would be devastitng to lose such important historical monuments...thanks for sharing!

I agree!!