Islanders on Uist are preparing for climate change that could swamp their lands.
Locals on South Uist will start work this weekend reinforcing the dune system which protects their island from the Atlantic.
Some locals fear that the extreme weather and changing sea levels could split the island in two.
In 20 years the island will have wetter weather than present for nine months of the year, according to findings published by the University of the West of Scotland.
Research from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) claims that sea levels in the area will rise by 14.5in and several locals have already experienced flooding.
On November 6 volunteers will be joined by Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan to implement their innovative solution to tackling the effects of climate change.
They plan to place old fishing nets on the five-mile stretch of dunes at Kilphedar, the most vulnerable area in the Western Isles, in a bid to halt erosion.
It is hoped the nets will anchor the fragile dunes until marram grass can take hold.
The following day Mr Allan will speak at a public meeting, organised by Oxfam Scotland, to plan the next steps in dealing with climate change in other parts of the island.
Representatives from environmental groups Coastal Adapt, Storas Uibhist, Scottish Natural Heritage, Sustainable Uist and the Amenity Trust are also expected to attend.
The meeting will take place in St Peter’s Church Hall on South Uist on November 7 at 6pm.
Mr Allan said: “The impact of climate change in South Uist isn’t going away. I am very grateful that Oxfam Scotland, together with local people like Seumas Macdonald have given so much time and effort to highlight this problem. The fact that people in South Uist are already taking proactive steps to address this issue is something that deserves recognition.
“More than that, however, it highlights the need to keep this issue on the political agenda.
“South Uist faces a major problem, but I think this weekend’s events prove it has an active community willing to find practical solutions to these.”
Sarah Watson, Climate Change Campaigner with Oxfam Scotland said: “We’re already seeing the effects of climate change here in Uist and in countless other communities around the world.
“It’s heartening to see the community come together to find an innovative and sustainable solution. Small adaptations can make a big difference – in Scotland and abroad.”
