An Ataireachd Aird: The storm of January 2005 in the Uists, Scotland

• Storm severity due to low atmospheric pressure, storm surge and high tide coinciding.
• Wave attenuation function of vast offshore kelp bed reduced by raised sea level.
• Habitats not significantly impacted, in contrast to human infrastructure.
• Flood salinity interactions with water table emphasise importance of drain network.

The storm of 11–12 January, 2005, affecting northern Scotland, had a particularly severe impact in the Uists, Outer Hebrides, resulting in widespread damage to property and infrastructure, and in the loss of five lives. In addition to the physical impact on the coast, there was widespread marine flooding.Reasons are suggested for the severe impact of this storm. Though visible evidence of the storm was readily apparent in coastal habitats, these impacts are believed to be of little lasting significance. Limited assessments of the effects of marine flooding could be made, but initial conclusions are that the inland aquatic environment of the Uists is highly resilient in respect of a single storm, but the mechanisms that protect from single events render the environment vulnerable to long term impacts of this nature.The coastal environment of the Uists is low-lying, exposed, and has a history of localised major topographic and habitat change. Studies of the storm's impact have yielded useful clues as to the possible behaviour of this complex coastal ecosystem in response to rising sea levels, with or without accompanying storms.