The East Lothian areas that could be underwater by 2030

The study has been conducted by Climate Central, an independent organisation of leading scientists and journalists who research climate change and its impact on the public.

The organisation has used current projections to produce a map showing which areas of the country could be underwater by the end of the decade.

The map shows that plenty of coastal areas in East Lothian will lose at least some land to the rising sea levels.

East Lothian areas that could be underwater by 2030

Some areas in East Lothian are below the annual flood level. Credit: Climate Central

This will be a particular problem for coastal communities in Dunbar and North Berwick, especially with the Scottish Sea Bird Centre, John Muir Country Park and the East Links Family Park predicted to be underwater.

Any coastal part of the county is set to be affected including Gullane, Aberlady, Prestonpans and Port Seton.

Another area that could be seriously affected is Musselburgh with the map suggesting that much of the town will be submerged including the popular Racecourse and the Royal Golf Club.

Musselburgh as predicted by Climate Central in 2030. Credit: Climate Central

However, Climate Central admits the calculations that have led to fears of a nightmare scenario include "some error".

It says: "These maps incorporate big datasets, which always include some error. These maps should be regarded as screening tools to identify places that may require deeper investigation of risk."

The maps have been based on "global-scale datasets for elevation, tides and coastal flood likelihoods" and "imperfect data is used".

coastal areas in East Lothian will lose some land if sea levels keep rising. Credit: Climate Central

Somewhat comfortingly, Climate Central adds: "Our approach makes it easy to map any scenario quickly and reflects threats from permanent future sea-level rise well.

"However, the accuracy of these maps drops when assessing risks from extreme flood events.

"Our maps are not based on physical storm and flood simulations and do not take into account factors such as erosion, future changes in the frequency or intensity of storms, inland flooding, or contributions from rainfall or rivers."