Have you noticed a change in Scotland's climate? Is your business or life affected by warmer winters or wetter summers?
Landward visited Gigha to talk with residents convinced they are starting to face the harsh effects of climate change.
A particular concern is the number of days the ferry cannot reach the island to collect milk and take it to the Campbeltown Creamery.
Farmer Kenny Robison has been on the island for 25 years. In Jan 2006 he lost only one day's production with milk being poured down the drain because the ferry couldn't get across. This year, however, they have lost 11 days.
A major factor is the changes that happen around the pier at the sand bar. This sand is usually blown away by the water jets that drive the ferry that comes across from Tayinloan, but if the ferry doesn't get across, for whatever reason, and the sea is agitated then the bar builds up. It means dredgers have to be called in to clear it, paid for by Argyll Council. Only then can the ferry land again.
You can watch Gigha and Climate Change piece on the player. (opens new window)
We asked Nick Nairn if he had noticed any changes in the Scottish climate. And he said:
There have been two things in the last few months which make me think the pattern of Scottish seasons is changing. First, last winter, the burn which runs past our house flooded for the first time in my life. Some of our neighbours had to be rescued from the roof of their house, and quite a few sheep were washed away - so it was pretty dramatic stuff.And this spring, I've been amazed by how early Scottish vegetables have been ready. When I phoned my supplier the other week to order home-grown asparagus I was shocked to discover the season was already well under way. Scottish asparagus has always followed the English crop - but this year, it seems to have been ready at the same time thanks to the warm dry spring.
What have you noticed? Send us your comments, photos or anything else you have to help us build a picture of the effects of climate change in Scotland.
Page first published on Tuesday 19th June 2007
Page last updated on Thursday 16th October 2008
