Ward 6 is a predominantly rural area situated some 40 minutes from Edinburgh by car. With a rich diversity of outdoor recreation sites that are also internationally important for wildlife and habitats, there was growing concern about the impact of increasing pressures from rising visitor numbers, especially those arriving by motorised transport. However, the gradual rise in popularity of the coast clearly preceded the pandemic. Problems in 2020 were amplified by national and local policies from March onwards, which restricted foreign travel, hospitality, shopping, and public transport. This study scoped some of the local problems and issues that arose, while gathering the initial evidence to help inform future visitor management planning. It also aimed to assess levels of interest among the key stakeholders to work more closely together and address challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
This website and story map were created in 2022 to leave a public legacy of the project should any of the themes or proposals be of interest to others.