QUESTION 1

  Climate change risk to 28 historic sites in Scotland

Landmark Scottish castles and chapels are among 28 historic sites at "very high risk" from climate change, according to a new report.

A further 160 properties were found to be at "high risk" from flooding, coastal erosion and slope instability.

More than 350 buildings owned by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) were assessed by experts.

HES said the Climate Change Risk Assessment will help better protect and preserve the sites for future.

The report claims increasing temperatures and rainfall levels as well as rising sea levels has affected historic buildings across Scotland.

Changing climatic conditions can alter and accelerate decay processes of historic monuments and archaeological sites, it adds.

Much of the HES estate, which includes castles, mills and coastal defences, are situated in landscapes that are susceptible to natural hazards.

For example, Fort George, which has had a strategic position on the Moray Firth near Inverness since the 18th century, is now at "very high risk" of coastal erosion.

Question 1: Indicate whether the following statements are True or False and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

1. Climate change is causing damage to some Scottish castles and chapels.
2. More than a hundred properties are flooded at the moment.
3. Experts are evaluating more buildings owned by HES.
4. Climate Change Risk Assessment will contribute to protect the sites.
5. Scottish historic buildings have not been damaged by the rising sea levels.
6. Changing climatic conditions do not affect historic monuments.
7. Castles and mills are part of the HES estate.
8. Fort George is an example of coastal erosion risk.

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KEY

1. True. Landmark Scottish castles and chapels are among 28 historic sites at "very high risk" from climate change.
2. False. A further 160 properties were found to be at "high risk" from flooding.
3. False. More than 350 buildings owned by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) were assessed by experts.
4. True. The Climate Change Risk Assessment will help better protect and preserve the sites.
5. False. Rising sea levels has affected historic buildings across Scotland.
6. False. Changing climatic conditions can alter and accelerate decay processes of historic monuments.
7. True. Much of the HES estate, which includes castles, mills and coastal defences.
8. True. Fort George is now at “very high risk” of coastal erosion.