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Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)
Key Findings
Areas home to unique wildlife or environmental features may be designated an SSSI, due to their importance for scientific research (Cottam, 2019). For landowners and land managers, this designation gives them a legal responsibility to manage the land to maintain 'favourable conditions of the site, meaning it is illegal to either intentionally or accidentally allow the site to be degraded or damaged (Natural England, 2013). As such, alterations made to the site require consent, which in Scotland is decided by NatureScot (2024).
We have 1440 SSSIs in Scotland (Scottish Government, n.d.), such as the Sands of Forvie and Ythan Estuary SSSI in the East Grampian Area (NatureScot, 1984).
Figure 1: NMPi - SSSI in North East Scotland
Notes
Linked Information Sheets
Key sources of Information
Cottam (2019) SSSI Definition: What is it and what does it mean for conservation and development?
Natural England (2013) Sites of Special Scientific Interest and historical monuments
NatureScot (1984) Sands of Forvie and Ythan Estuary SSSI
NatureScot (2024) Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) – Consents
Scottish Government (n.d.) Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Reviewed on/by
Status
Live - next update 20/08/2026
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Contact us
Telephone: 07971149117
E-mail: ian.hay@stateofthecoast.scot