Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)
Q. What are SSSIs?
A. SSSIs form a series of nationally important sites in Great Britain. In Scotland SSSIs are notified by SNH.
Q. How many SSSI sites have been notified in Scotland by SNH?
A. There were 1,451 SSSIs in Scotland on November 29, 2004.
Q. What is the relationship between Natura sites (Special Areas of Conservation and Special Areas of Protection ) and SSSIs?
A. Most of the 311 terrestrial Natura sites in Scotland are also SSSIs. SSSIs notification has traditionally enhanced legal protection for Natura sites.
Q. What happens when a planning application is submitted that relates to an SSSI?
A. The planning authority must consult SNH, and have regard to its advice, when determining an application for a development which might affect a SSSI. Further details can be accessed via the Scottish Government National Planning Policy Guidelines
Q. Is there financial compensation available for owning land which has been notified as an SSSI?
A. Where the natural features for which the SSSI has been notified are, or may become, compromised by 'established management' activities, SNH would offer to enter into a management agreement to provide compensation for any actual financial loss. Established management can be taken to mean any activity that has been part of the actual or habitual pattern of use at the site for the previous 15 years. For a more comprehensive definition and additional information regarding financial assistance for protected areas, access the Scottish Government's Financial Guidelines.