East Grampian Coastal Partnership
www.stateofthecoast.scot
Ramsar Sites
Key Findings
The RAMSAR designation is applied to Wetland areas known to be of global importance (Scottish Government, n.d.). It may be applied to protect areas of unique habitat, or the species living within (JNCC, 2019). The designation is used worldwide by 169 countries (NatureScot, 2023).
The Ramsar designation itself comes with no legal protections in the UK, however in Scotland all 51 Ramsar sites are also classified as either an SSSI, an SAC, or an SPA, thus are well protected (Scottish Government, n.d.). For example, the Loch of Strathbeg Ramsar site is also a SSSI and an SPA (NatureScot, n.d.).
Figure 1: NMPi - Ramsar sites in North East Scotland
Notes
Linked Information Sheets
Key sources of Information
Reviewed on/by
20/08/2024 by Cathryn Lovie
22/08/2024 by Ian Hay
10/03/2025 by Charlotte Tomlinson
20/08/2026 by Ian Hay
Status
Live - next update 20/08/2027
To report errors, highlight new data, or discuss alternative interpretations, please complete the form below and we will aim to respond to you within 28 days
Contact us
Telephone: 07971149117
E-mail: ian.hay@stateofthecoast.scot