Ayrshire beaches named among best in Scotland
Eight Ayrshire beaches from Millport to Girvan have been named as winners of Scotland's Beach Awards.
Eight of Ayrshire 's finest beaches have been named as some of the best in Scotland after winning recognition in the Scotland's Beach Awards.
Ayr South Beach, Barassie Beach, Girvan Beach, Irvine Beach, Maidens Beach, Newton Beach at Millport, Prestwick Beach and Troon South Beach all met the criteria and high standards set out to be recognised.
Scotland's Beach Award, organised by Keep Scotland Beautiful, celebrates the achievements of well managed beaches across Scotland.
The prestigious flag helps visitors and locals chose where they want to visit, with the knowledge that the beach is being looked after for people and the environment.
Only Fife with 13 award-winning beaches had more listed than Ayrshire as 52 beaches across Scotland were recognised.
Both Maidens Beach and Troon South Beach have retained their award status for more than a decade - 12 and 10 years respectively - while Newton Beach on Great Cumbrae has made a comeback after flood defence works prevented it from entering over the past couple of years.
Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful said: 'Scotland's award-winning beaches demonstrate excellent beach management and we hope that all who visit this year play their part in keeping them beautiful.
'I'd like to congratulate all those who do so much to protect, maintain and enhance our beaches, protecting the sand and sea for us all to enjoy – from the local authorities to the communities who care so passionately about these phenomenal assets.
'Scotland's Beach Awards are the benchmark for quality, celebrating clean, well-managed and sustainable beaches and it is testament to those who look after them that so many have received awards over decades.
'We would love to encourage more communities to work towards accreditation of their beaches and are currently seeking sponsorship of the programme so we can enhance capacity and capability in communities which boast stunning beaches.
'Please get in touch if you can help us.'
Vicki Miller, VisitScotland chief executive, said: 'Scotland has thousands of miles of coastline, providing a huge choice of beaches to enjoy stunning scenery and unique experiences.
'Whether visitors are looking for tranquil islands and rural escapes or the bustling cities and towns boasting serene shores, there is something for everyone.
'Congratulations to all the winners for their achievements. It is particularly encouraging to see some beaches making a return to the awards. This demonstrates a real dedication to improving the visitor experience and environment.
'Our communities, along with our natural and cultural heritage, are what make Scotland so special. It is vital we protect and preserve them for the future.'
North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: 'Newton Beach has a long track record of receiving this national beach award and unfortunately due to the flood defence works it couldn't participate the past couple of years.
'We are delighted this high-quality beach and valued community asset has been recognised again.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Visitors to Shetland 'twice as likely to be influenced by film and TV'
This compares to almost one in five visitors to Scotland (19%) who are inspired to visit by screen tourism. The hit BBC crime show, Shetland, returned for its ninth series in 2024 and is filmed across various locations on the islands, including Lerwick. Based on the books by Ann Cleeves, the TV series is broadcast around the world and Promote Shetland, the local destination marketing organisation, has created several self-guided tours of locations from the series for fans. Two separate Islands Visitor Surveys 2024 were carried out in Shetland and Orkney, commissioned by the respective islands councils, in partnership with VisitScotland. READ MORE: The surveys – which don't include cruise passengers – aim to identify visitor profiles, explore the visitor journey, evaluate their experience and determine the visitor volume and value. VisitScotland's own research revealed earlier this year how set-jetting – visitors choosing to visit the 'set' of their favourite Scotland-based film or TV show – is a rising consumer trend. Shetland is the most mentioned TV series by visitors outside of Outlander. The Shetland survey reveals that more than half of visitors take in an iconic location from the Shetland TV series (52%). The number of annual visits to Shetland was almost 89,000 in 2024, with 173,037 visits to Orkney. The survey also revealed that total annual spend by visitors to Shetland was approximately £50.3 million in 2024 and £78 million in Orkney. Chris Taylor, Destination Development Director for VisitScotland said: 'It's fantastic to see that our islands' renowned offering and welcome are continuing to earn praise from visitors across the world. However, we know our tourism and events industry continues to face challenges. 'Tourism and events are among our islands' most valuable sectors. Their success creates a ripple effect which powers a vibrant visitor economy. Visiting an island is something special. It is more than simply going on holiday; it is this cumulative impact which highlights why growing the visitor economy is so important - it is something that benefits us all. 'The added value tourism delivers can be felt right across our islands, in jobs, incomes and the services we all enjoy. 'It's not surprising that so many visitors were inspired to visit these beautiful islands after seeing them on screen or in books - this is evidenced by the set-jetting trend we are seeing, where visitors are looking for guided tours and opportunities to immerse themselves in the places they see on screen. 'I am also delighted that visitors' to both islands groups experiences such high satisfaction and that local people really added to their holiday experience. 'These surveys are a great piece of work that provide a good evidence-based platform on which to plan our sustainable tourism offer.'
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The stunning Scottish beaches perfect for a weekend visit – and you don't need the car
Leave the car at home and let the train take the strain on a trip to some of Scotland's glorious coasts SANDS GOOD The stunning Scottish beaches perfect for a weekend visit – and you don't need the car Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) As longer days and warmer weather continue, many of us will be planning days and weekends away to Scotland's stunning sandy shores. Our coasts offer breathtaking, often-overlooked beaches, with many easily reached by train, bus, or ferry - so leave the car at home and enjoy days away without the stress of driving, traffic jams and hunting for parking spaces. From cityside sands to hidden bays along scenic rail routes, these accessible spots are ideal for spontaneous day trips or last-minute breaks, to enjoy ice cream by the sea and the soothing lull of gentle waves. VisitScotland has put together a handy list of just some of the country's most convenient coastal getaways, with nearby accommodation available for a carefree and car-free summer escape. Lossiemouth in Moray, nicknamed 'The Riviera of the North', has two stunning beaches, one to the East and one to the West, flanking the harbour. 7 Lossiemouth East Beach, Credit: Alamy Much of this beautiful coast town sits atop a cliff with spectacular views. The West Beach is dominated by the iconic Covesea Lighthouse, operated by the local community (well worth a visit) and is situated next to Moray Golf Club. The East meets the town at the mouth of the River Lossie (where the town got its name) and has beautiful beaches and sand dunes. Both beaches offer opportunities to swim, surf, sail, or head out on boat trips for dolphin-spotting. Get the train to Aberdeen from wherever you are in Scotland, then jump on the raisl again for hte hour and a hlaf jiourney to Elgin where the 33A or C bus will take you to Lossiemouth in just 20 minutes. Planning on staying? Check into the Lossiemouth House, an 18th century bed and breakfast located a short walk away from the beautiful white sandy East beach, from £130 per night. Largs in Ayrshire is a classic seaside town with a promenade, pebble beach, and fish 'n' chips on hand. 7 Largs town and beach Bonus? Take the ferry across to Cumbrae (also known as Millport) for more sandy shores and the option to hire a bike and cycle around the island for a brilliant day out. Take the train from Glasgow Central to Largs (under 1 hour, direct), then walk five minutes to the beach or the ferry terminal for Cumbrae. Stay at The Old Rectory in Largs, a five-minute stroll along from the promenade into town, with sea view rooms from £65 per night B&B. Gullane Bents in East Lothian has won Scotland's Beach Award an hugely impressive 31 years in a row - so its definitely worth a trip. 7 Gullane Bents and beach in Gullane , East Lothian Credit: Alamy It's a popular beach for walking, sunbathing and windsurfing. There's also the option to walk to Gullane Point for spectacular views over the bay and the Firth of Forth. Get there from Edinburgh Waverley to Drem (30 minutes), then bus 124 or X5 to Gullane (15–20 minutes). Stay at Little Archer a stylish loft apartment in the town, ideally situated for golfers and foodies with the three championship links golf courses and the the 5 Star AA award winning 'Bonnie Badger' restaurant located close by. Self Catering, from £425 per week. Ettrick Bay on the Isle of Bute is a golden crescent of sand on the island's west coast. It's a tranquil spot perfect for a leisurely stroll or a dip in the sea. 7 Ettrick Bay on the Isle of Bute, with the island of Inchmarnock and the mountains of Arran in the background. Credit: Alamy Don't miss the Ettrick Bay Stone Circle found further up the valley comprising eight stones, and to the south of the bay is a bird hide to look out for curious seabirds. And be sure to stop into Ettrick Bay Tearoom, which overlooks the beach, and enjoy a home-cooked meal, ice cream and stunning views of Arran. Take the train from Glasgow Central to Wemyss Bay (approx. 55 minutes), then board the CalMac ferry to Rothesay (35 minutes). From Rothesay, bus 490 or 493 takes around 20 minutes to Ettrick Bay. Stay at The Coach House at Stewart Hall, tucked away on the peaceful west coast, a true rural retreat. The self-contained, self-catering, west wing, looks out over the Sound of Bute and is set in three acres of quiet, mature ground, an ideal spot to slow down and soak up the island's natural beauty. Costs from £650 for a week. Lunan Bay in Angus is arguably one of Scotland's most photogenic beaches, with sweeping sands framed by dunes and distant cliffs. 7 LUNAN BAY Credit: Visit Scotland Take the train to Arbroath or Montrose and then hop on a short local bus , try Stagecoach 30/30A, or taxi. It's worth it for the serenity and the dramatic red ruins of Red Castle overlooking the bay. If you decided to stay longer then check out the Lunan House Hotel, which offers a range of rooms and on-site dining at Imrie's Bar & Grill, all set within scenic grounds just a short walk from the beach. From March to October, a 16-pitch touring campsite and a farm shop complete the coastal retreat experience. Costs from £50 per room per night. For those venturing north, Sinclair's Bay in Caithness is a windswept wonder with miles of pale sand and the romantic ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe watching over the coast. 7 The long sandy beach of Sinclair's bay, near Noss Head and Wick in Caithness Credit: Alamy Travel by train from Inverness to Wick (it take over four hours but the scenery is spectacular) and either walk, cycle, get the Stagecoach 77 or 77A or take a short taxi ride to the bay. Time it right, and catch a spectacular sunset behind the castle, an unforgettable sight. Sinclair Bay Lodges, set on the seafront near Keiss Castle, are luxury glamping lodges offering sweeping views of Sinclair's Bay and Noss Head. Each features a private patio with jacuzzi, ideal for spotting dolphins, seals, and seabirds in the wild. From £150 - £250 per night (sleeps two). Arran in Ayrshire, was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark in April, a prestigious recognition of the island's exceptional geological heritage. Every step along Arran's beaches unveils a piece of Scotland's geological history and its shoreline offers a mix of rugged beauty, wildlife, and soft sands. Visit The COAST Discovery Centre (free) in Lamlash to explore the island's marine biodiversity or join a guided shore scramble. Beaches stretch from Blackwaterfoot to Kildonan, perfect for relaxed exploration or a picnic. 7 Kildonan beach on the Isle of Arran Credit: Alamy It's easily accessible from Glasgow with direct train services between Glasgow Central and Ardrossan Harbour, while Troon is accessible by train with a connecting bus service to the harbour. Ferries depart from Ardrossan Harbour or Troon Harbour to Brodick. It is advisable to book ferry tickets in advance throughout the year, as services can be in high demand. One of the island's most popular places to stay is the Auchrannie Resort, featuring a serene spa, pool and excellent dining options. This family-friendly and dog-welcoming resort is the perfect fit for a luxurious getaway, with rooms from £200 per night for two. For more on Scotland's beaches see
The Courier
3 days ago
- The Courier
Full list of Tayside and Fife beaches recognised in Scotland's Beach Awards
Beaches across Tayside and Fife have been named as some of the best in the country after receiving Scotland's Beach Awards. Keep Scotland Beautiful has revealed the recipients of the 2025 awards ahead of the summer season. Each beach receiving an award will have a flag displaying the accolade. A total of 52 beaches across Scotland are on this year's list, with Fife retaining its title as the region with the most awards. Some of the beaches in Tayside and Fife, including St Andrews West Sands and Montrose, have received the awards for decades. The recipients of the awards, as well as the number of years they have received them, are listed below: Barry Fisher, Keep Scotland Beautiful's CEO, said: 'Scotland's award-winning beaches demonstrate excellent beach management. We hope that all who visit this year play their part in keeping them beautiful. 'I'd like to congratulate all those who do so much to protect, maintain and enhance our beaches, protecting the sand and sea for us all to enjoy – from the local authorities to the communities who care so passionately about these phenomenal assets.'
