Scotland's most beautiful beaches with clear water and golden sands revealed
Fifty-two beaches across Scotland have been recognised in the Keep Scotland Beautiful Awards for their clean, safe, and well-managed shores along the nation's coastline
From sweeping bays to sheltered coves, 52 beaches across Scotland have been officially recognised in this year's Keep Scotland Beautiful Awards, celebrating the best of the nation's 11,800 kilometres of coastline.
Run by the environmental charity for over three decades, Scotland's Beach Awards are seen as the benchmark for quality, rewarding beaches that are clean, safe, well-managed and accessible. Each winner proudly flies a special flag to let locals and visitors know it meets the highest standards.
The awards aim to guide people towards the best places for a dip, a picnic or just soaking up the coastal views. Whether you're staying close to home or planning a seaside getaway, the scheme highlights the cleanest and most scenic shores across the country.
'Congratulations to all the winners for their achievements,' said VisitScotland Chief Executive Vicki Miller. 'It's 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's vital we protect and preserve them for the future.'
This year, Fife once again leads the way with the highest number of awards, boasting 13 winning beaches. Among them, St Andrews West Sands stood out as the only beach to be honoured every single year for the past 33 years.
Nearby, East Sands has received the award for the last 25 years in a row, while Aberdour's Silver Sands continues its long streak with a 32nd consecutive nod.
Other Fife favourites also returned to the list, including Pettycur Bay in Kinghorn, now recognised 25 years running. Elie Harbour was included for the 14th year, Ruby Bay in Elie for the 27th, and Crail's Roome Bay again featured among the winners.
Aberdeenshire and East Lothian followed closely behind with eight beaches apiece making the grade. Aberdeenshire's winners included Stonehaven Bay and Fraserburgh's Tigerhill Beach, while East Lothian celebrated wins for Gullane Bents, North Berwick's West Beach and Belhaven Bay in Dunbar's John Muir Country Park, among others.
Angus contributed six beaches to the list, with long-standing favourites such as Montrose Seafront (22 years), Carnoustie (20 years), and Lunan Bay, which was recognised for the ninth year running.
Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms National Park stood out as the only inland beach to receive an award. It was one of four Highland winners, joining Brora (24 years), Dornoch (31 years) and Nairn Beach.
Shetland saw two beaches earn the accolade: West Sandwick, now in its 15th year, and Sands of Breacon for the second time. In North Ayrshire, Irvine Beach and Millport's Newton Beach were celebrated, with Newton making a welcome return after recent investment.
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South Ayrshire had six winners in total, including Troon, Barassie Shore, and the ever-popular Ayr South. Coldingham in the Scottish Borders was the region's sole representative, while Ballroom Beach in Aberdeen City and Broughty Ferry in Dundee also made the cut.
Now in its 33rd year, the award scheme continues to play a key role in protecting Scotland's beaches for both people and wildlife.
Alongside celebrating beauty and accessibility, beaches must also meet strict criteria around cleanliness, facilities, safety and environmental quality.
The awards complement work by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on monitoring bathing water standards.
For the full list see here.
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Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Scotland's most beautiful beaches with clear water and golden sands revealed
Fifty-two beaches across Scotland have been recognised in the Keep Scotland Beautiful Awards for their clean, safe, and well-managed shores along the nation's coastline From sweeping bays to sheltered coves, 52 beaches across Scotland have been officially recognised in this year's Keep Scotland Beautiful Awards, celebrating the best of the nation's 11,800 kilometres of coastline. Run by the environmental charity for over three decades, Scotland's Beach Awards are seen as the benchmark for quality, rewarding beaches that are clean, safe, well-managed and accessible. Each winner proudly flies a special flag to let locals and visitors know it meets the highest standards. The awards aim to guide people towards the best places for a dip, a picnic or just soaking up the coastal views. Whether you're staying close to home or planning a seaside getaway, the scheme highlights the cleanest and most scenic shores across the country. 'Congratulations to all the winners for their achievements,' said VisitScotland Chief Executive Vicki Miller. 'It's 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's vital we protect and preserve them for the future.' This year, Fife once again leads the way with the highest number of awards, boasting 13 winning beaches. Among them, St Andrews West Sands stood out as the only beach to be honoured every single year for the past 33 years. Nearby, East Sands has received the award for the last 25 years in a row, while Aberdour's Silver Sands continues its long streak with a 32nd consecutive nod. Other Fife favourites also returned to the list, including Pettycur Bay in Kinghorn, now recognised 25 years running. Elie Harbour was included for the 14th year, Ruby Bay in Elie for the 27th, and Crail's Roome Bay again featured among the winners. Aberdeenshire and East Lothian followed closely behind with eight beaches apiece making the grade. Aberdeenshire's winners included Stonehaven Bay and Fraserburgh's Tigerhill Beach, while East Lothian celebrated wins for Gullane Bents, North Berwick's West Beach and Belhaven Bay in Dunbar's John Muir Country Park, among others. Angus contributed six beaches to the list, with long-standing favourites such as Montrose Seafront (22 years), Carnoustie (20 years), and Lunan Bay, which was recognised for the ninth year running. Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms National Park stood out as the only inland beach to receive an award. It was one of four Highland winners, joining Brora (24 years), Dornoch (31 years) and Nairn Beach. Shetland saw two beaches earn the accolade: West Sandwick, now in its 15th year, and Sands of Breacon for the second time. In North Ayrshire, Irvine Beach and Millport's Newton Beach were celebrated, with Newton making a welcome return after recent investment. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. South Ayrshire had six winners in total, including Troon, Barassie Shore, and the ever-popular Ayr South. Coldingham in the Scottish Borders was the region's sole representative, while Ballroom Beach in Aberdeen City and Broughty Ferry in Dundee also made the cut. Now in its 33rd year, the award scheme continues to play a key role in protecting Scotland's beaches for both people and wildlife. Alongside celebrating beauty and accessibility, beaches must also meet strict criteria around cleanliness, facilities, safety and environmental quality. The awards complement work by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on monitoring bathing water standards. For the full list see here.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
The 52 best beaches in Scotland revealed, thanks to their crystal-clear waters and stunning golden sands
JUST BEACHY The 52 best beaches in Scotland revealed, thanks to their crystal-clear waters and stunning golden sands Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN INCREDIBLE 52 beaches around Scotland's glorious coastline have been recognised in the Keep Scotland Beautiful Awards. The annual Scotland's Beach Awards have been overseen by charity for the last 33 years, to 'help visitors and locals chose where they want to visit' and set a 'benchmark for quality'. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 West sand beach in St Andrews has made the list every single year Credit: Alamy 8 Sillver Sands beach at Aberdour in Fife has been on the list for an impressive 32 out of 33 years Credit: John Kirkby - The Sun Glasgow Each of the 2025 Scotland's Beach Award winners offer something unique, whether you are after a swim in the sea, picnic on the sands or just to take in the views and (hopefully) the weather. Every beach along Scotland's 11,800km of coastline receiving the award will have a flag displaying the accolade. It means it's easy for seaside lovers to find out exactly which beach closest (or further away if you're making a weekend of it) is the cleanest, with pristine sands and clean healthy waters. The awards are the benchmark for quality and celebrate the achievements of well managed beaches across Scotland. Read more in travel GO WILD Inside stunning Scots national park where kids can walk with dinosaurs Beaches from Aberdeenshire to the Scottish Borders all made the list, with the most popular beaches including St Andrews West Sands and Aberdour Silver Sands retaining the honour for over three decades. Additionally, 42 beaches on the list have successfully achieved an award for 10 or more years. Fife retain its title as the region with the most awards, boasting 13 winning beaches. The famous West Sands has made the list every year for the past 33 years, followed by in East Sand which has been awarded for the last 25 consecutive years. Silver Sands beach in Aberdour has made the list for the last 32 years, proving why it is one of the most popular in the country, And Pettycur Bay in Kinghorn was honoured again - making it 25 years in a row they've been chosen for the prestigious award. 8 IPettycur Bay is backed by a fabulous caravan park on the Fife coast 8 Stonehaven bay and harbour in Aberdeenshire Credit: Alamy Elie Harbour was named for the 14th year in a row and Ruby Bay, also in Elie has made the list again for the 27th time along with Crail Roome Bay. Aberdeenshire and East Lothian follow with eight award winning beaches. Stonehaven Bay and Fraserburgh Tigerhill helped Aberdeenshire's mighty haul. While in East Lothian Gullane Bents, North Berwick's West Beaches and Dunbar East all made the list along with Belhaven Bay in the John Muir Country park in Dunbar. Six beaches in Angus were chosen by Keep Scotland Beautiful for their beach quality, including Lunan Bay (for the 9th year in a row) , Carnoustie (20 years on the list) and Montrose Seafront (22 years) The iconic Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms National Park was the only inland beach to make the grade and was one of four awarded it the Highland region along with Brora (24 years), Dornoch (31 years) and Nairn beaches. 8 the golden sand beach at Loch Morlich Credit: Getty 8 Irvine Beach Credit: Mark Ferguson In Shetland two beaches were picked out for the honours - West Sandwick, for the 15th year, and Sands of Breacon making it for the second year in a row. Irvine beach and Newton beach in Millport were the only two in North Ayrshire to make the grade, with Newton Beach making a welcome comeback following investment work. Six South Ayrshire beaches made the list, including the iconic Ayr South, Troon and Barassie Shore. Coldingham was the only beach in the Scottish Borders to be awarded with Dundee City's Broughty Ferry and Aberdeen City's Ballroom Beach also making the grade. 8 Coldingham Sands beach at Coldingham Bay, Berwickshire Credit: Alamy 8 Dundee's Broughty Ferry beach is a firm favourite Credit: Alamy Vicki Miller, VisitScotland Chief Executive said: 'Congratulations to all the winners for their achievements. It's 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's vital we protect and preserve them for the future.' Scotland's Beach Awards have been managed by Keep Scotland Beautiful for 33 years, playing a vital role in protecting our beaches for people and nature, encouraging people to visit responsibly and signposting people to beaches that best meet their needs. A range of criteria must be met, including beach safety, access and facilities, and cleanliness. Focusing on local environmental quality, the award is designed to complement the work undertaken by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on bathing water quality. For the full list see here
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
England's top tourist experience is ‘perfect' — animal lovers want to live there
From historical castles and monuments, to brand-new food tours, shows and museums, England has so much to offer visitors who come in their droves. And it's not just those flying in from abroad who explore the likes of Cornwall's beaches or the Liverpool's nightlife – it seems we love being tourists at home, with Brits taking 906 million day trips and 90 million overnight trips in England last year. So, if you're looking for some staycation inspo, look no further: Visit England have announced the winners of their Awards for Excellence, which recognise the best tourism businesses across the country. And when it came to the best experience that the country has to offer, it was an unexpected visit to a farm that claimed the top spot. Head north to Yorkshire, and book yourself onto Dumble Farm's Cow Cuddling & Highland Cow Experience. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Nestled in Arram, near to Beverley in East Yorkshire, Dumble is a working farm with a focus on conservation and sustainability. At the heart of their work is caring for their 65 plus strong herd of Highland cows. As well as educating visitors about this endangered species, Dumble Farm say spending time with the cows has a calming effect and a positive impact on general well-being. And that's where cuddling comes in. Visitors on the three and a half hour tour get up close and personal with the 'affectionate and gentle' animals. There's a meeting with the adorable young cows, which guests can groom and get to know. Then it's onto the cuddle cows who are 'nearly always lying down' meaning visitors can lie back and relax with the animals. Then there's a safari around the farm, during which there's an opportunity to feed Highland cows from a trailer, before heading back for tea and cakes. The £95 price tag goes towards supporting the farm's conservation work. More Trending And, tourists have certainly not been disappointed after booking onto the tour, calling it the 'best day ever'. 'I would live here if I could,' wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer who did the tour in April. While another said: 'Don't think about it, do it'. And a third called it 'moo-sively impressive'. If you want to book onto the tour, you'll need to plan ahead. Tickets are snapped up fast, with a release dropping a month in advance. Cow cuddling stops for the summer though, so you'll have to wait until autumn before you can have start snuggling. Metro's Lifestyle Reporter, Courtney Pochin, tried cow cuddling at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Brentwood. As well as dairy cows, Hopefield is home to donkeys, sheep, pigs, horses, Shetland ponies, cats, rabbits, alpacas, reindeer, a boa constrictor, parrots, and a fox. There are also several exotic animals such as tanukis and skunks. 'As I entered the field, two Friesian cows, Jude and Devon ambled over. I know it sounds silly, but as most of the viral cow cuddling videos I'd seen online had featured much smaller calves, when these two gentle giants plodded over, my jaw dropped. 'There was no way I was ever going to be able to get my arms around them for a proper cuddle, although a taller (and braver) person might have been able to do so. 'Despite their somewhat intimidating size, however, Jude and Devon were just like big dogs. They licked my hand, allowed me to scratch their necks and backs, and were playful when it came to getting treats. 'A fun fact I discovered about cows is that they drool rather a lot, so feeding them by hand gets pretty messy. I just about managed to escape without getting slobber in my hair (my clothes weren't quite as fortunate). 'While suffice to say it wasn't quite the therapeutic experience TikTok had sold me on, there's no denying that it was a great activity for my general wellbeing. It was something different, it was fun, and I felt like Jude and I had become pals by the end. I left with a big smile on my face.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: This mythical destination is a perfect Mallorca alternative — without the crowds MORE: Italy's 'village of villages' contest reveal 5 must-visit hidden gems MORE: Your favourite places to eat in Europe that aren't the usual tourist traps
