Photo of Edinburgh Castle perched on the hill. — Edinburgh Castle. Image Credit: Winston Tjia via Unsplash

By Heather Bolen

Perched proudly atop an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle commands the city’s skyline, embodying Scotland’s history and resilience. This 12th-century fortress, sprawling across 2.8 hectares with 27 historic buildings, holds centuries of stories within its ancient walls. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, the castle is more than just a landmark; it’s the heart of Edinburgh, which has served as Scotland’s capital since the 15th century.

The castle overlooks Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, also recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which span 1.78 square miles and feature around 4,600 buildings built across a dramatic topographic setting. From narrow medieval alleys to grand Georgian squares, each street captures a piece of Edinburgh’s character, history, and the blend of architectural styles that define its skyline.

However, with its ancient castles, picturesque streets, and stunning landscapes, Edinburgh faces a growing threat: climate change. The impact of shifting weather patterns and rising global temperatures is felt across Scotland, and Edinburgh, one of its cultural and urban centers, is particularly vulnerable.

“Our heritage is important. Because if we don't know where we've come from, it's difficult to know where we are going.”

-David Mitchell, Director of Conservation, Historic Environment Scotland

The biggest climate-related pressure on Edinburgh is extreme weather and increased rainfall. According to the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) report on Scotland, annual rainfall has increased by 13% since 1970. This is an issue for several reasons:

Photo of the North Bridge leading into Edinburgh, Scotland with extensive view of the city. — North Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland. Image Source: Robert B. Fishman via Ecomedia

1. Increased Flooding and Sea-Level Rise

Edinburgh’s geography makes it susceptible to flooding, especially during periods of intense rainfall. As climate change progresses, the city will likely see more frequent and severe storms, stressing its drainage systems and increasing the risk of flooding. Some areas of Edinburgh are low-lying, including parts of Leith and the Port of Leith. Rising sea levels could lead to coastal erosion and put historical structures near the shoreline at risk.

Photo of Eilean Dorine Castle located on small island where three lochs meet in Scottish Highlands. — Eilean Dorine Castle, located on a small island where three sea lochs meet in the Scottish Highlands: Image Credit: George Hiles via Unsplash

2. Erosion of Historic Sites

Edinburgh’s historic sites, including Edinburgh Castle and the centuries-old architecture of the Old and New Towns, face an accelerated risk of erosion and decay as climate change intensifies. Increasingly frequent and extreme weather events, with heavier rains and stronger storms, threaten to overwhelm old roof and rainwater management systems, making drainage systems insufficient to handle stormwater. Rising temperatures also heighten decay rates through freeze-thaw cycles, salt mobilization, and material deposition. Most buildings are made from porous sandstones, and increased wetting and drying increases the decay of these stones, while the colder, wetter conditions encourage moss and lichen growth, further deteriorating the ancient masonry and adding urgency to preservation efforts.

3. Changes in Local Biodiversity

Edinburgh’s parks and natural surroundings, such as Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat, host a range of native flora and fauna that are part of the city’s charm. But rising temperatures could threaten this biodiversity, altering habitats and potentially leading to the decline of species that thrive in the cooler climate traditionally found in Scotland. Furthermore, invasive species that fare better in warmer temperatures may spread, upsetting the delicate balance of local ecosystems.

4. Increased Pressure on Water Resources

As temperatures increase, demand for water in Edinburgh is likely to rise. At the same time, changes in precipitation patterns may lead to periods of drought, putting a strain on water supplies for the city and surrounding areas. Water scarcity could lead to more restrictions and pressure on water conservation efforts, especially during the hotter summer months, which have seen record-breaking temperatures in recent years.

“By that very principle, historic assets are really vulnerable to being lost. Being swept to the sea. The sea will take what it wants to take. And there's not very much we can do to hold that back.”

-David Harkin, Climate change scientist, Historic Environment Scotland

5. Impact on Tourism and the Festival Economy

Edinburgh’s tourism industry, including the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Edinburgh International Festival, plays a huge role in the city’s economy. Climate change, however, could impact this tourism-based economy in several ways. Extreme weather events may make travel more unpredictable and uncomfortable, while increased temperatures could detract from the festival experience. Moreover, the city's infrastructure, not built for extreme heat or erratic weather patterns, could struggle to support visitors if conditions become less stable.

6. Growing Health Risks

Rising temperatures bring health risks that Edinburgh hasn't historically faced with its temperate climate. More frequent heatwaves can lead to heat stress, particularly among vulnerable populations, including the elderly. Additionally, warmer and wetter conditions may increase pollen counts and extend allergy seasons, while a changing climate could also lead to an increase in respiratory and vector-borne illnesses.

Taking Action: Edinburgh's Response to Climate Change

Scotland has one of the most ambitious climate change mitigation goals globally, aiming for a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, a 90% reduction by 2040, and achieving net zero by 2045. Edinburgh is actively contributing to these targets and is committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2030. Edinburgh is also integrating these goals into the community. In 2016, twenty civic organizations, including The City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh World Heritage, developed the Edinburgh Adapts action plan, which specifies concrete goals for dealing with climate change and making the city more resilient. These include initiatives focused on renewable energy, sustainable transportation, green infrastructure, and local projects like tree planting and enhanced flood defenses to mitigate its most immediate climate challenges.

Meanwhile, Historic Environment Scotland set out to identify environmental hazards, enabling the development of new maintenance guides for Edinburgh historic building owners focused on what they can do to ensure they are adapting to climate change. Innovative action. like 3D capture technology, also provides a tool for further understanding, evaluating, and producing conservation management plans.

While Edinburgh faces serious threats from climate change, the city’s commitment to sustainability and resilience offers hope. Protecting Edinburgh's unique character, history, and beauty requires action from city officials, residents, and the global community. Through collective efforts, we can preserve Edinburgh's heritage and environment for generations to come. Travel & Culture Salon proudly supports the World Monuments Fund, which has protected over 700 unique sites in 112 countries.