Noise
Environmental noise is unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities. This includes noise from:
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transport
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industry
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recreational activities
Noise is part of everyday life but high levels of noise over a long time can harm both physical and mental health.
Noise counts as a statutory nuisance if it is either:
- unreasonable and substantially interferes with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises
or - injures health or is likely to injure health
At a national level, we publish noise maps for Scotland on the Scotland's noise website.
We have Noise Action Plans for large urban areas, transport and major airports. These plans reduce the harmful effects of environmental noise, including annoyance.
Enforcing authorities
Local authorities primarily deal with noise nuisance complaints. They are responsible for investigating statutory nuisance noise complaints.
SEPA regulates noise relating to industrial emissions (under the Environmental Authorisation (Scotland) Regulations 2018). You can find more information on permitting and authorisations on the SEPA website.
Find out how to report noise or anti-social behaviour on the mygov.scot website.