Latest news with #BeachAwards


The Courier
5 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.'


Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
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.'


Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Daily Record
Scotland's 'sunniest city' with sandy beach and award winning fish and chips
It may not get the acclaim of the capital or Scotland's biggest city, but there's lots to like about this place. Scotland has been enjoying good weather in recent days. The warm temperatures and sunny skies won't last forever, though, so it is important to make the most of it. While most of the country has seen at least a bit of sun lately, there are certain areas that tend to experience more sunshine than others throughout the year. Those who want to maximise their exposure to good weather should spend as much time as possible in these sunny hotspots. One of the places in Scotland that is known for its high levels of sunshine is Dundee, which sees an average of around 1,520 hours of sun per year. In fact, according to the Visit Dundee website, it is the "sunniest city in Scotland". Dundee is located along the coast on the Firth of Tay estuary in the east of Scotland. The fourth-biggest city in the country, it is home to approximately 148,000 people. Given its reputation as Scotland's sunniest city, there is thankfully plenty to get up to around Dundee to make the most of the good weather. The most notable is Broughty Ferry Beach in the suburb of Broughty Ferry, four miles east of the city centre. Broughty Ferry Beach is an award-winning sandy bay that features incredible views out over the Tay Estuary to the north coast of Fife. It is a top destination for a day out, whether you're travelling with family or friends, with a huge expanse of sand to explore. The beach is also a great destination for wildlife lovers, since it is home to a nearby nature conservation site. Visitors may be able to spot everything from seabirds to seals when walking about. Broughty Ferry Beach also offers plenty of opportunities for water sports such as surfing, kayaking, and jet-skiing. It is important to note, however, that there is an animal exclusion zone on the beach between May and September in which dogs are not allowed. Just off the beach is an esplanade featuring a crazy golf course and 'kiddicars', as well as picturesque flower beds. There is also the glass-fronted Urban Beach restaurant, which serves up a varied menu including burgers and fish dishes. In addition to being recognised at Scotland's Beach Awards, Broughty Ferry Beach has also earned positive feedback from visitors. It currently has an overall rating of 4.5 out of five based on 688 reviews. One beachgoer wrote: "Beautiful beach. Lovely bay and castle so much to see, easy access to Dundee, St. Andrews, golf courses , caravan parks, etc." Another shared: "A really nice beach to visit during summer. Has cute cafés nearby and a park for children to play in." While visiting the beach, it is worth walking up to the 15th-century Broughty Castle that dominates the landscape. Built to defend Scotland against the English navy, it is now home to a fascinating museum detailing the area's history. Meanwhile, when the sun is shining, nothing compares to a fish supper by the coast. Fortunately, there are plenty of mouthwatering fish and chip shops dotted around Dundee. One of these is the award-winning Silvery Tay, which has previously been recognised at the Scottish Chippy Awards. The family-run takeaway offers traditional suppers, with fresh fish sourced from local fish merchants. Among the dishes available at The Silvery Tay are battered haddock, Icelandic haddock, and scampi. Also on offer is a selection of Porrelli Italian ice cream. Recent reviews on Google have described The Silvery Tay as "amazing" and "lovely". Another satisfied customer wrote: "One of the best chippers, if not the best chipper, in Dundee". More information about what visitors can get up to in Dundee on a sunny day can be found on the Visit Dundee website.