Mapping the intersection of helicopter routes and public lands in Northeast Scotland

Abstract

During the various COVID lockdowns, public narratives about the changing soundscape emphasized the reduction in commercial air traffic. However, other forms of air traffic were not reduced. Due to the need to service North Sea oil and gas operations, helicopter overflights from Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) remained a prominent feature of the local soundscape in Northeast Scotland. The primary route used by these helicopters (HMR WHISKEY) crosses public lands at several points, making the sound of overflights a prominent source of noise at these locations. These public lands include locations controlled by the city, like Seaton Park and Donmouth Local Nature Reserve, and others controlled by national entities, like the Forvie National Nature Reserve. This presentation will map several public lands in Northeast Scotland where noise from frequent helicopter overflights impacts the soundscape. The author will present field recordings and other documentation of helicopter overflights from February to June 2021, both during and immediately after the United Kingdom's third COVID lockdown, and invite discussion about potential for further study of noise pollution in this coastal region.