Although it may might not quite seem like it, summer is just around the corner.
It's taking a while to warm up in Scotland, but when the sun shines in our country we can claim it be the most beautiful place to be in the world.
Living in Edinburgh, it's easy to make the most of the weather with a handful of brilliant beaches within a short drive of the city centre.
READ MORE: The beaches within driving distance of Edinburgh given Blue Flag award
Yesterday, we reported on several nearby beaches given Blue Flag accreditation ahead of the summer swimming season.
And Lonely Planet have also given a shout out to a number of Edinburgh and East Lothian beaches, with their latest Best In Scotland guide.
Here's where their writers included in their 18-strong list and what the said about them:
Edinburgh's city beaches - Best beaches for day-trippers
"There are several appealing beaches in Edinburgh's suburbs. For a charmingly unhurried experience, traipse down to the sand in the picturesque village suburb of Cramond.
"Originally a mill village, Cramond has a historic 17th-century church and a 15th-century tower house, as well as some less impressive Roman remains, but most people come to enjoy walks along the river to ruined mills and stroll along the seafront.
"To the east is Portobello Beach, a popular Victorian seaside town, home to a kayaking and sailing club, as well as a popular sandy beach."
Belhaven Bay, Dunbar - Best beach for photographers
"Belhaven ("beautiful harbor") is about right for this glorious sweep of sand, which arcs beside the open sea for nearly 2 miles on the fringes of John Muir Country Park west of Dunbar.
"Known for its surfing, it's backed by the park's romantic tableau of sand dunes, salt marsh and woodlands (where you'll also find facilities such as a play park and barbecues for sunny day lunches). Crossing a stream at its eastern end is the "Bridge to Nowhere", photogenically marooned at high tide."
Beaches of North Berwick - Best beaches for the whole Scottish experience
"Gazing north across the Firth of Forth, North Berwick is an attractive Victorian seaside resort with long sandy beaches and a small harbour.
"Five miles west of town, the golden crescent of Gullane Bents has epic views over the Firth and its shaggy fringe of dunes and sea buckthorn bushes also shelter a wealth of wildlife, including seabirds and roe deer.
"East of North Berwick, Seacliff Beach is a pristine sweep of sand with views of bird-thronged Bass Rock and majestic Tantallon Castle. The latter is visible at low tide from the western end of the beach, where there's also a tiny rock-hewn harbour.
"Fringed by dunes, meadows and woodland, the broad sandy cove of Yellowcraig looks out to the island of Fidra and its Victorian lighthouse (one of several islands said to be the inspiration for RL Stevenson's Treasure Island).
"Follow the short path to Yellow Craig, an ancient volcanic vent, for the best sea views."
To see the Lonely Planet list in full, which also features Fife beaches, you can visit their website here.
