SCOTLAND and Ireland are being battered by the largest waves in 70 years, a study has found.

Since 1948, the average height of waves rolling in from the Atlantic during severe winter gales has increased by more than 5½ feet.

The study was conducted by the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) in France, Bordeaux University and Plymouth University.

The Atlantic coastlines of Scotland and Ireland have seen the greatest increase in wave height in western Europe. Over the past seven decades, the average height of winter waves has increased by more than 0.4ins per year.

But during extreme weather conditions, levels off the Irish coast increased an inch during the past 70 years, representing an average increase of 5ft 6ins.

Scientists warn the increase in wave energy has implications for coastal communities as beaches and dunes are washed away and cliffs collapse.

Dr Bruno Castelle, senior scientist at CNRS, said: “The height of waves during winter storms is the primary factor affecting dune and cliff erosion, explaining up to 80 per cent of the shoreline variability along exposed sandy coasts.

“So any increases in wave heights, and greater frequency of extreme storms, are going to have a major impact on thousands of communities along the Atlantic coastlines of Western Europe.

“This work and our other recent studies have shown both are increasing, meaning there is a real need to ensure the Atlantic coasts of Europe are protected against present and future storm threats.”