Services

Social Impact Assessment

Rural, specifically island environments, experience a unique set of circumstances that require distinct consideration in social and economic assessments. Specific issues centre around connectivity, lack of services, geographical isolation, a distinctive sense of identity and tradition, in addition to widely dispersed populations. The introduction of large and complex projects may result in different impacts, or intensify the magnitude of specific impacts in contrast to other mainland or urban environments and may be experienced differently in the island environments.

Drawing from our experience as an island-based consultancy, Atlantic58 is developing a dedicated social science capability, underpinned by a collaborative research project with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) to generate a bespoke and EIA compliant methodology for assessing social impacts of projects on the island environment. Our experience ranges from collaborating on socioeconomic impact assessments for Atlantic Blue Fin Tuna to major windfarm developments.

Photo: Patrick Perkins | Unsplash