Keep Scotland Beautiful has been awarding Scotland’s Beach Awards for 29 years, awards which set the benchmark for quality, clean, well-managed and sustainable beaches for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.
Scotland's Beach Awards also recognise beaches that demonstrate excellent beach management, safety and environmental best practice alongside beaches which improve the economic and aesthetic value of its coastline and communities.
This year, 52 beaches from across Scotland have been recognised for the high standards they provide, from keeping sand litter free to excellent information and accessible amenities.
Scottish beaches receiving this accolade for 2021 are (categoried by region):
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
- Aberdeen Beach
- Balmedie
- Collieston
- Cruden Bay
- Fraserburgh Tigerhill
- Fraserburgh Waters of Philorth
- Inverboyndie
- Peterhead Lido
- Stonehaven
Angus
- Abroath (West Links)
- Carnoustie (Sandy Sensations)
- Lunan Bay
- Monifieth (Blue Seaway)
- Montrose
- East Haven
Dundee
- Broughty Ferry Beach
East Lothian
- Dunbar Belhaven Bay
- Dunbar East Beach
- Gullane Bents
- Longniddry Gosford Bay
- Longniddry No.1 and 2 (Seaton Sands)
- North Berwick East Beach
- North Berwick West Beach
- Yellowcraig
Fife
- Aberdour Black Sands
- Aberdour Silver Sands
- Anstruther Billowness
- Burntisland Beach
- Crail Roome Bay
- Elie Harbour
- Elie Ruby Bay
- Kinghorn Pettcur Bay
- Kinghorn Harbour
- Kingsbarns
- Kirkcaldy Seafield
- Leven East
- St Andrews East Sands
- St Andrews West Sands
- Kirkcaldy Pathhead Sands
Highland
- Dornoch Beach
- Loch Morlich
- Nairn Central
- Brora Beach
- Sango Sands Beach
North Ayrshire
- Newton Beach
Scottish Borders
- Coldingham Bay
Shetland
- Sands of Breckon
- West Sandwick
This includes two beaches which have received this recognition for 29 consecutive years; St Andrews West Sands in Fife and Gullane Bents in East Lothian.
Find out more about the Keep Scotland Beautiful and Scotland’s Beach Awards.
Take a look at our industry guidance on responsible tourism, as we encourage responsible visitor behaviour and ask locals and visitors alike to respect, protect and enjoy Scotland.