World’s biggest waves hit Scotland

Published on 06/02/2013 16:51

THE waves which hit Scotland this week were the highest anywhere in the world, scientists have confirmed.

The size of the waves was verified by meteorological service Magicseaweed, which tracks sea swells and tidal movements across the globe.

Sea swells occur when storms are met by large land masses, which force wind and waves tightly together to create pockets of extreme activity. A phenomenon known as the Greenland Tip Jet sees these swells formed by Greenland’s coast, and pushed towards the Scottish and Irish coasts.

One of these swells pointing directly at the west of Scotland was the cause of this week’s extreme waves.

Forecaster Ben Freeston said: “It’s probably accurate to say that Scotland has some of the largest waves on Earth.”

The waves battered the Western Isles on Monday, and smashed down a wall at Fair Isle’s South Lighthouse. Debris was washed over 200 yard inland by the wave, which could be seen an hour before it hit the island.

The pink areas on Magicseaweed’s chart are the areas of greatest activity, with Scotland seeing the very worst of the waves this week.