Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) represent the best of Scotland’s natural heritage. They are ‘special’ for their plants, animals or habitats, their rocks or landforms, or a combination of such natural features. Together they form a network of the best examples of natural features throughout Scotland, and support a wider network across Great Britain and the European Union.

Scottish Natural Heritage chooses sites carefully after detailed survey and evaluation against published scientific criteria. SSSIs can include freshwater, and sea water down to the mean low water mark of spring tides, as well as land. At 31 March 2009, there were 1,456 SSSI’s, covering a total area of 1,036,000 hectares or 12.9% of Scotland.

• List of SSSI's via Interactive Facts and Figures reports 11-16
• Details on a specific SSSI via 'Sitelink'
  Go to Sitelink logo -> select Site of special scientific interest in the designation drop down menu -> lists all SSSIs (10 at a time), each has a link to more detail
• SSSI selection criteria

SNH designates SSSIs to protect the best of our natural heritage by making sure that decision-makers, managers of land and their advisors, as well as the planning authorities and other public bodies, are aware of them when considering changes in land-use or other activities which might affect them.

SNH must follow a process set out in law to designate a new SSSI. We always seek to informally discuss proposals for new designations with all the owners and occupiers of the land, and how we can work together, before starting. When designating a new SSSI, SNH must formally notify every owner or occupier, and a range of other parties, of why the land is of special scientific interest. SNH must also list those operations which are likely to damage the site’s natural features, and for which owners and occupiers must obtain consent from SNH before carrying them out.

On 29 November 2004, the law concerning SSSIs was overhauled by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act. This new Act addresses many of the recognised shortcomings of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). SSSIs notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act continue under the new Act. You can read more about the new arrangements for SSSIs in the linked publications below (written for owners and occupiers of SSSIs other than public bodies).

Key points you should know about the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 and SSSIs Gaelic version of the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 and SSSIs Sites of Special Scientific Interest on-line

If you manage an SSSI, we will help you achieve the appropriate management to maintain or enhance its natural features. You may also be eligible for payments through one of our Natural Care schemes or through schemes offered by the Scottish Executive or Forestry Commisson Scotland.

• Natural Care Strategy
• Details of SNH’s Natural Care Management Schemes

Owners and occupiers of land within a SSSI must apply to SNH for consent to carry out certain operations that have been notified to them. Applications must be made in writing, which can also include email or by using the Application Form below

• SSSI application for consent form

SSSI publications and further information

• Sites Lines - Scotland’s only dedicated magazine for owners and occupiers of SSSIs
• SNH interactive Facts and Figures
• Details on a specific SSSI via 'Sitelink'
• Survey of the quality of relations with owners and occupiers of the sites of special scientific interest.
• The Scottish Executive’s ‘Financial Guidelines for supporting the management of SSSIs and Natura 2000 sites (October 2004)’