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IV23 2PJ - Flood, Heat, Air & Subsidence Risk - Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh

Highland, Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh

Flood: HigherHeat: LowerAir quality: LowGround: Low

Climate risk summary for IV23 2PJ

IV23 2PJ in Highland has a Higher flood risk. Heat risk is Lower, with a median (50th percentile) of 3 days above 25°C per year, averaged over the 2021-2040 period under the RCP8.5 high emissions scenario (Met Office UKCP18). Air quality is Low at PM2.5 3.8 μg/m³, within the WHO annual guideline of 5 μg/m³ (Defra UK-AIR). Ground conditions are Low risk, with Glacial Till geology; shrink-swell risk is classed as improbable (BGS GeoSure).

How does IV23 2PJ compare with the rest of the UK?

  • Air pollution: cleaner than 95% of councils
  • Heat risk: cooler than 95% of councils
  • Subsidence risk: lower risk than 58% of postcodes

What is the flood risk in IV23 2PJ?

Flood risk at IV23 2PJ is rated Higher, based on SEPA flood mapping.

SEPA flood zone data places IV23 2PJ in the higher flood risk band. The band reflects the highest flood risk within the postcode; some properties within this postcode may face little or no direct flood risk. A formal flood risk search and review of buildings insurance availability is recommended before any property transaction in this area.

How is the air quality in IV23 2PJ?

Air quality at IV23 2PJ is rated Low, based on Defra UK-AIR annual mean PM2.5 data. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) comes primarily from road traffic, industry, and domestic burning. Long-term exposure above the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³ is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health risks. Buyers and renters in higher air quality risk areas may wish to consider whether the property is near busy roads or industrial sources.

Is subsidence a risk at IV23 2PJ?

BGS GeoSure data classes the underlying soil at IV23 2PJ as Glacial Till, with shrink-swell hazard rated improbable (subsidence risk band: Low). Soil type and shrink-swell behaviour drive subsidence claims following dry summers; recent ABI data shows insurer payouts rose sharply after the 2022 and 2025 hot summers. A structural survey is the reliable way to assess ground risk for a specific property.

Where does this data come from?

This LocalRisk report for IV23 2PJ draws on four official UK open data sources: SEPA flood mapping, Met Office UKCP18 climate projections, Defra UK-AIR PM2.5 monitoring, and British Geological Survey GeoSure subsidence mapping. Risk ratings are a screening tool, complementing - not replacing - the searches and surveys ordered as part of a property transaction. Data covers Highland and is updated as new official datasets are published.

About the Highland area

Highland spans a vast and varied landscape of mountains, glens, rivers and long coastlines, from Inverness on the Moray Firth to remote western and northern shores, and experiences cool, wet winters and mild summers, influenced by elevation, Atlantic weather systems and maritime exposure.