The areas in Ayrshire that could be underwater by 2030

The study has been conducted by Climate Central, an independent organisation of leading scientists and journalists who research climate change and its impact on the public.

The organisation has used current projections to produce a map showing which areas of the country would be underwater by the end of the decade.

The map shows that plenty of coastal areas in Ayrshire will lose at least some land to the rising sea levels.

Ayrshire areas that will lose some land if sea levels keep rising at their current rate (Canva/Climate Central)

Ayrshire areas that could be underwater by 2030

This will be a particular problem for coastal communities in Ayr and Prestwick which look set to lose some of their beaches and even the popular Ayr Racecourse.

Any coastal part of the region is set to be affected including Ardrossan, Stevenston, Gailes and Irvine too.

We may also see considerable changes in Troon with a lot of its coastline coming under the annual flood levels, with even the popular Royal Troon Golf Club falling in the red zone.

Parts of Ayrshire that could fall under the annual annual flood levels. Credit: Climate Central

However, Climate Central admits the calculations that have led to fears of a nightmare scenario include "some error".

It says: "These maps incorporate big datasets, which always include some error. These maps should be regarded as screening tools to identify places that may require deeper investigation of risk."

The maps have been based on "global-scale datasets for elevation, tides and coastal flood likelihoods" and "imperfect data is used".

Somewhat comfortingly, Climate Central adds: "Our approach makes it easy to map any scenario quickly and reflects threats from permanent future sea-level rise well.

"However, the accuracy of these maps drops when assessing risks from extreme flood events.

"Our maps are not based on physical storm and flood simulations and do not take into account factors such as erosion, future changes in the frequency or intensity of storms, inland flooding, or contributions from rainfall or rivers."