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MINISTERIAL FOREWORD
The landslide events of August 2004 had a substantial
impact on Scotland's road network. Although the effects
were principally experienced by local and commercial road
users, the tourist industry, which reaches its peak in the
summer months, was also significantly disrupted.
The Scottish Executive, together with other governments,
is committed to protecting the environment, aiming to
tackle global warming. However, climate change is already
happening. In response to the events last summer two
studies were instigated. One concerns the effects of
climate change on Scotland's road network, which is being
published separately. This study though focuses on how we
develop our procedures for assessing, ranking and managing
the hazards associated with landslides. This report
presents the results of the first stage of the landslides
study. It highlights debris flows, a particular type of
landslide, as representing a hazard to the road network and
its users. The report details means by which areas
susceptible to such hazards may be identified and the
methods by which we might deal with them.
I am pleased that we have been able to facilitate
contributions to this report from a wide range of experts,
who have worked together in such a collaborative fashion.
The report that has emerged from their efforts is a
forward-looking document that sets out the future for
landslide management in Scotland. The work will now
continue into the second stage of the study with the
development of a standardised system for assessing hazards
and managing the consequences. These efforts will make
Scotland's roads safer and help to maintain Scotland's
reputation as both an area of vibrant economic growth and a
premier tourist destination.
I am pleased to offer my support to the work presented
in this report and to the continued progress towards
assessing and managing the hazards which landslides
present.
Nicol Stephen
MSP
Minister for Transport
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