Though it'll come as no surprise that Scotland is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches.
And an annual award which seeks to recognise those that are the best-managed, as well as acting as a benchmark for local environmental quality, has just announced the over 50 beaches its chosen as recipients in 2022.
To be successful in achieving Scotland’s Beach Award, a beach must meet a range of criteria, including beach safety, access and facilities, and cleanliness.
This is the 30th year of the Scotland's Beach Award being given out, since the awards first launched in 1992 with the first two beaches – Gullane Bents in East Lothian and St Andrews West Sands in Fife.
In 2022, a total of 53 beaches have achieved the accolade – from Shetland to the Scottish Borders.
This year we welcome back many long-standing award participants, as well as Irvine Beach and Ayr South beach after a short break.
Fife retains its title as the region with the most awards, home to 15 winning beaches.
East Lothian and Aberdeenshire both have eight award beaches.
Speaking about the awards, Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “It is wonderful to see 53 sites win Scotland’s Beach Award status this year and we are delighted to celebrate with all those employees and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure award standards are maintained.
“As the only accreditation for beach management of its kind in Scotland, we aim to drive up environmental standards along the coastline of our country for residents and visitors alike.
“Scotland’s coastlines and waters attract thousands of visitors every year and I’d encourage everyone to #RespectProtectEnjoy these beaches this summer.”
While chief executive of VisitScotland Malcolm Roughead stated that these wonderful beaches are a big draw for visiitors from around the world, he said: “Over the last two years interest in coastal destinations has remained high as people have sought outdoor locations and activities with our own research showing the positive benefits being near the water can have on wellbeing.
“Scotland’s Beach Awards winners are a sign of the high-quality visitors can experience. Congratulations to 53 beaches awarded status this year and to Keep Scotland Beautiful on the 30th anniversary of the scheme."
The 53 beaches named in the Scottish Beach Award lists:
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeen Ballroom Beach
Balmedie Beach
Collieston
Cruden Bay
Fraserburgh Tigerhill
Fraserburgh Waters of Philorth
Inverboyndie Beach
Peterhead Lido
Stonehaven Beach
Angus
Montrose Seafront
Carnoustie
Arbroath
Lunan Bay
Monifieth
East Haven
Broughty Ferry
East Lothian
Belhaven Bay
Dunbar East
Gullane Bents
Longniddry Gosford Bay
North Berwick Milsey Bay
North Berwick West Beach
Longniddry No 1 and 2 (Seton Sands)
Yellowcraig
Fife
Aberdour Silversands
Anstruther Billowness
Burntisland Beach
Crail Roome Bay
Elie Harbour
Elie Ruby Bay
Kingsbarns Beach
Kinghorn and Pettycur Bay
Kirkcaldy Seafield
Leven East
St Andrews East Sands
St Andrews West Sands
Aberdour Black Sands
Kinghorn Harbour
Kirkcaldy Pathhead Sands
Highland
Brora Beach
Dornoch Beach
Sango Sands
Nairn Central
Loch Morlich
Ayrshire
Irvine
Newton Beach Millport
Scottish Borders
Coldingham
Shetland
West Sandwick
South Ayrshire
Ayr South
Troon
Maidens
Prestwick
Girvan
A map showing all the award-winning beaches with directions, facilities and images can be found here.
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