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Home , Ayr railway station, East Lothian

Keep Beautiful is the environmental charity committed to MAP making Scotland clean and green, today and tomorrow. Please see overleaf for a description of all the beaches numbered below, including directions and Scotland’s beaches have something for everyone; award information. excellent environmental quality, world class surf, bustling promenades, secluded bays and biodiversity rich shores. Or visit www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/beach Maintaining standards is vitally important. Therefore, as part of our environmental contribution, Keep Scotland Beautiful manages Scotland’s national Beach Awards, the Seaside Award and Blue Flag. These awards aim to encourage the protection and enhancement of this fabulous resource, focussing on our beaches, seas and marine life. We also aim to improve the economic and aesthetic value of the coastline for community and visitors alike, by involving local communities in beach management and encouraging them to become guardians of their coastline. Beach Awards have been presented in Scotland for over 20 years and this year 61 beaches will be flying award flags having been judged to meet the criteria by our National Beach Award Jury. Please visit www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/beach for further information on each of the award winning beaches and a chance to tell us, and other visitors, what you think of the ones you’ve visited this year.

You can maximise your enjoyment, and that of all other visitors, by following this simple beach code:

Take responsibility for your own actions. Respect other people and the environment. Leave only footprints, not your litter: take it home with you or use the bins provided – recycle where possible.  Keep your dog under control. Always clean up after your dog and use the bins provided. Check the notice boards for local information about facilities, water quality and safety procedures at the beach.  Use public transport, walk or cycle to the beach when possible. Please keep to the footpaths and main access points to protect dunes. Be careful not to disturb the plants and animals which live at the beach. 1 Maidens - South 17 Embo Beach - 31 Beach - Aberdeen 47 Kinghorn Harbour - 2 South Beach - 18 Dornoch Beach - Highland 32 Stonehaven - 48 Kinghorn, Pettycur Bay - Fife Beware of the dangers and always look for 3 Newton Beach, Millport - 19 - Highland 33 Montrose Seafront - Angus 49 Burntisland - Fife 4 Machrihanish Beach - & Bute 20 Shandwick Bay - Highland 34 Arbroath - Angus 50 Silver Sands - Fife information before you enter the water. 5 Ganavan Sands - Argyll & Bute 21 Nairn Central - Highland 35 Carnoustie - Angus 51 Aberdour Black Sands - Fife 6 Achmelvich Bay - Highland 22 Loch Morlich Beach - Highland 36 Monifieth - Angus 52 Portobello -  Be constantly aware of the tides and waves when 7 Durness Sango Bay - Highland 23 Sandend - Aberdeenshire 37 Broughty Ferry - 53 No 1. & 2. - East you are in or by the sea. 8 Strathy Bay - Highland 24 Inverboyndie - Aberdeenshire 38 St Andrews West Sands - Fife 54 Longniddry Gosford Bay - East Lothian 9 Melvich Beach - Highland 25 Fraserburgh Esplanade (Tigerhill) 39 St Andrews East Sands - Fife 55 Bents - East Lothian 10 St Ninian’s Isle - - Aberdeenshire 40 Kingsbarns - Fife 56 Yellowcraig - East Lothian In case of emergency dial 999 and ask for the 11 West Sandwick, Yell - Shetland 26 Fraserburgh Waters of Philorth 41 Crail Roome Bay - Fife 57 West Beach - East Lothian coastguard. 12 Sands of Breckon, Yell - Shetland - Aberdeenshire 42 Anstruther Billowness - Fife 58 North Berwick Milsey Bay - East Lothian 13 Tresta, Fetlar - Shetland 27 Peterhead Lido - Aberdeenshire 43 Elie Woodhaven (Ruby Bay) - Fife 59 Belhaven Bay, - East Lothian 14 West Voe - Shetland 28 Cruden Bay - Aberdeenshire 44 Elie Harbour - Fife 60 Dunbar East - East Lothian 15 Brora Beach - Highland 29 Collieston - Aberdeenshire 45 Leven East - Fife 61 Coldingham - 16 Golspie Beach - Highland 30 Balmedie Beach - Aberdeenshire 46 Seafield - Fife 1 Maidens - South Ayrshire 12 Sands of Breckon, Yell - Shetland 23 Sandend - Aberdeenshire 34 Arbroath - Angus 44 Elie Harbour - Fife 53 Longniddry No 1. & 2. - East Lothian This long sandy beach with grassy foreshore is a A white sandy beach in the north of Yell, with the Set in the village of Sandend this is a magnificent The harbour town of Arbroath is universally famed for Elie Harbour beach lies north of the harbour and A wild and undisturbed beach with a mix of both wonderful place to sit back, relax and take in the largest area of shell sand dune and dune grassland in beach popular with locals, but virtually unknown to its smoked haddock, but the beach is definitely worth close to many facilities. There is a water sports sand and rocks provides an ideal location for scenery. Head north to the pathway leading into Shetland. Traces of Viking and pre-Viking settlements tourists. A broad sandy bay, with the exception visiting too. An excellent play area and miniature facility where you can hire equipment and book family day trips. The beach provides good walking Culzean County Park and walking south you will can be found nearby. Access is steep. From the ferry, of a few small areas of pebbles. Sandend is railway make it the perfect place to visit with a young adventure trips. There are a number of good cafes and horse riding, while windsurfers and canoeists find a charming harbour. The village of Maidens follow the A968 through the Island of Yell, turn left onto located between Portsoy and Cullen on the family. The beach is just off the main A92 Angus and bars. The beach can be accessed from the can often be seen. Access is off the main East is on the coast with a small harbour just off the the B9083 to Cullivoe and follow signs to Breckon. coast. Coastal Tourist route which runs through Arbroath. centre of Elie. Lothian Coastal Trail route. A719. There is a train station in the town, and a road train 13 Tresta, Fetlar - Shetland 24 Inverboyndie - Aberdeenshire that runs from the High Street to the beach. 45 Leven East - Fife 54 Longniddry Gosford Bay - East Lothian This pretty beach, with easy access, is in a calm This popular beach attracts walkers, swimmers, 2 South Ayr Beach - South Ayrshire 35 Carnoustie - Angus Leven East beach is situated in an area of industrial This long, sandy and rocky beach is close to nature shallow cove on the island of Fetlar. Cross by ferry surfers and windsurfers. It has a sandy foreshore This sandy beach has something for everyone with sloping rocky access. The beach is situated by A beautiful bay by the world famous Carnoustie heritage. It is backed by a promenade and a grass reserves so there are a lot of birds to be seen including an esplanade, putting green, play area to the island of Yell, follow the A968 through Yell area with a green gym. The beach is accessed to the Gutcher Ferry Terminal and travel to Fetlar. the caravan site. From the historic town of Banff, Golf Course. Feels remote, yet is minutes from feeding when the tide is out. The beach is often and fishing. Ayr railway station is a 5 minute walk from the A915 Fife coastal road, taking the B955 Follow the B9088 and take the third turning on the drive north on the A98 for 3 miles, at this point the the town and station. The beach is close to the visited by canoeists and windsurfers. Access is from the beach and the bus station is only a 2 and turning left. There is a bus terminal close to the right to Tresta, then the first right to the beach. caravan park is signposted to the right. leisure centre which offers excellent sport facilities, off the main East Lothian coastal trail route. The minute walk. Ayr beach and promenade is part of children’s play area and paddling pool. beach. beach is well signposted. the Sustrans National Cycle route 7. 14 West Voe - Shetland The Sustrans National Route 1 also passes by. 25 Fraserburgh Esplanade (Tigerhill) 46 Kirkcaldy Seafield - Fife Located on the southern tip of Shetland by the ancient - Aberdeenshire 55 Gullane Bents - East Lothian 3 Newton Beach, Millport - North Ayrshire settlements of Jarlshof and Old Scatness Broch, Located to the south of Kirkcaldy, this sandy beach A sandy beach next to the town, this is a popular 36 Monifieth - Angus A glorious sandy beach which is particularly popular This small sandy beach sits below a promenade and this long white sand beach has easy access. Picnic with rock pools is a real ‘walk on the wild side’. Just with families. It is ideal for sunbathing, walking, the town which has many facilities. There are tables are available. The nearest village is Virkie. location for many activities and family outings. The Monifieth Sands stretches from Barnhill to the Barry a 10 minute walk south of the beach, from the Fife Esplanade can be reached via the A90 turning off to kite flying, picnics, windsurfing and canoeing. stunning views of the Clyde Estuary and the Little From Lerwick take the A970 south to Sumburgh. Sands and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for Coastal Path, you can watch seals. Regular buses The sea buckthorn and the extensive back dune Cumbrae. Newton Beach is by the promenade of the east on Harbour Road. Access is from the car The car park is just past the turning for Scatness wildfowl and wading birds. A skateboard park and run from Kirkcaldy to near the beach. system provide a haven for small birds. There are the town of Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae. A ferry park and the beach is adjacent to the caravan park. opposite Sumburgh Airport. children’s play area can be found close by. regular bus services to Gullane and the beach is to the island can be taken from Largs. It is possible to walk to the Waters of Philorth from The Sustrans National Route 1 passes the beach 15 Brora Beach - Highland this beach. signposted from the town. and the beach car park is just off the A930 from 47 Kinghorn Harbour - Fife 4 Machrihanish Beach - Argyll & Bute This small, sheltered beach is next to the links golf 26 Fraserburgh Waters of Philorth Dundee. 56 Yellowcraig - East Lothian course. Brora has golden sands and a sloping sea This pleasant beach is located to the east of The award section is at the south end of the three - Aberdeenshire 37 Broughty Ferry - Dundee Kinghorn and is an excellent destination for With a nature trail, barbecue site, play area and front. It is ideal for walking and picnics. Take the extensive grassland behind the beach, there is mile long beach, alongside dunes and Machrihanish road towards the golf course for approx. 1/2 mile. An extensive, pristine sandy beach adjacent to the Nestled beneath a historic castle is a sandy beach families. With natural features of a sandy beach, Waters of Philorth Local Nature Reserve. Philorth something for everyone here - even a special ‘dog Golf Course. Never crowded, it is ideal for walking, There is free parking in the golf club car park. Rail and promenade. There is a nature conservation rock pools and cliffs there is always plenty to is a popular recreational, walking, surfing, and walk’. The beach is within walking distance from surfing or watching the sunset. Take the B843 from link to Brora station. site nearby and a patrolled swimming area. From watch. Access to Kinghorn is via the A921 or a 2 windsurfing area. The beach is two miles south and there is a regular bus service from Campbeltown to Machrihanish. Access is through a Dundee follow the A930 to Broughty Ferry. At minute walk from the train station. gate and across the fairway opposite the clubhouse. 16 Golspie Beach - Highland east of Fraserburgh on the B9033 to St Colms. North Berwick. The beach is signposted from the the Queen Street / St Vincent Street junction turn Main Street. A typical, gradually curved, long east coast beach, 27 Peterhead Lido - Aberdeenshire right and follow signs to the beach. The Sustrans 48 Kinghorn, Pettycur Bay - Fife with a mixture of sand and shingle. Panoramic National Route 1 passes. 5 Ganavan Sands - An unusual beach forming the shoreline of a boating This small sandy beach is located on the west side 57 North Berwick West Beach - East Lothian views across the Moray Firth make it an excellent A picturesque sandy beach with easy access, marina in the town’s outer harbour. There are open of Kinghorn. It is a haven of peace and tranquillity destination for long beach walks. Situated off the A9 38 St Andrews West Sands - Fife A long stretch of sand with views to the island of ample parking and great views. The beach lies views across the marina so always plenty to watch. with beautiful scenery. Access to Kinghorn is via one hour north of Inverness, follow signs for beach and the . It is a great family adjacent to a coastal walk. Approaching Oban The Lido is accessed from the car park, from the Two miles of uninterrupted sand backed with dunes the A921 by car/bus and 5 minutes walk from the car park. Rail link to Golspie Station. Bus via City beach with a putting green behind it. This beach is A982. There is a steep hill down to the beach. and the world-renowned championship golf course. train station. Beach guards are present at high from the South on the A816, at the 1st roundabout Link and Stagecoach. closest to the train station and a direct train service take the 3rd exit, at the 2nd roundabout take the Limited alternative parking is available by the marina. There is plenty of car parking, lots of information season. runs from Edinburgh. There is also a regular bus 1st exit and continue for about a mile. 17 Embo Beach - Highland available and zoning of the beach to keep service. 28 Cruden Bay - Aberdeenshire recreational users and families apart. Beach guards 49 Burntisland - Fife A belt of dunes offer some shelter from the A sweeping expanse of golden sands and dunes are present at this beach. The beach is accessed 6 Achmelvich Bay - Highland prevailing wind, making this beach the perfect popular with walkers, day trippers, water sports from the A91 Cupar - St Andrews road. It is 15 This beach is enhanced by a modern leisure centre, 58 North Berwick Milsey Bay - East Lothian destination for walkers, families and any beach seaside park, crazy golf course, bouncy castles, This is a beautiful, natural bay with a large expanse enthusiasts and for sea fishing. From Aberdeen, take minutes walk from the bus station. A popular family beach, it has a boat pond built lover. Embo is off the A9 via Dornoch. Follow the picnic tables and an annual summer fairground. of white sand and clear blue waters. This is a good the A90 to Peterhead for 11 miles then take the A957 into the rocks which holds the water when the tide signs for Embo (3 miles). 39 St Andrews East Sands - Fife Beach guards are present at this beach. Access to beach for canoeing, sailing, wildlife watching and sign posted Newburgh. At Cruden Bay turn right to is out, and provides a place for children to play. the car park. To access the beach cross the burn by Burntisland is via the A921 or a 10 minute walk walking. There is a campsite and a youth hostel On the south side of the old harbour, close to the Milsey Bay is the most easterly beach of the two in the White Lady’s footbridge. from the train station. nearby. Take the B869 about ½ a mile from the East Sands Leisure Centre, is a sandy beach with North Berwick. There are signposts throughout the village of Lochinver on the A83. 18 Dornoch Beach - Highland a promenade link to the Fife Coastal path. Lots town, a train service from Edinburgh and a regular 29 Collieston - Aberdeenshire of water sports, including surfing and sailing, take This beautiful expanse of golden sand is close to 50 Aberdour Silver Sands - Fife bus service. 7 Durness Sango Bay - Highland A thriving village with an excellent natural harbour place here. Beach guards are present during the the historic town of Dornoch. The beach is also One of the most popular and attractive beaches on filled with golden sand, creating an idyllic sheltered high summer. From the centre of St Andrews take 59 Belhaven Bay - East Lothian A beautifully formed cove which offers panoramic recognised for its nesting birds, flora and fauna. the Fife coast, it offers the freshness and variety of beach for locals and visitors to enjoy. When the Crail Road south. Opposite the St Andrews views of the North Minch. It enjoys golden sands Dornoch is off the A9. Head into town, turn right at the seaside as well as the peace and tranquillity of Located within the Country Park the entering the village of Collieston take the first left Memorial Hospital, a road to the left takes you together with rocky outcrops which offer shelter. the town square, and follow signs to beach. A bus the countryside. The Fife coastal path passes by. beach is fringed by low, sheltering sand dunes, past the church and park in the car park. There is a down to the harbour and the beach. Sango Sands is accessed by a very steep path. service is provided by City Link and Stagecoach. path which follows the headland towards the Beach guards are present. The beach is just off the rich salt marsh and colourful grasslands. Ideal for Situated off the A838 the beach is located in the village harbour and the beach. 40 Kingsbarns - Fife A921 road from Inverkeithing to Burntisland and is 10 walking, picnics and surfing. is within centre beside Tourist Information Centre and car park. minutes walk from train station, to the east of the town. walking distance. The beach is signposted from the 19 Portmahomack - Highland 30 Balmedie Beach - Aberdeenshire Located on the east of Kingsbarns, the beach roundabout on the A1 from Dunbar Road. There is a 8 Strathy Bay - Highland Situated by a picturesque village, this beach is stretches for about 2 miles and is bordered by rolling regular bus service. Balmedie is a flat, sandy beach backed by dunes. sand dunes. A very popular beach with walkers, the Naturally formed with sand dunes, this beach has close to a quaint harbour which often bustles with a An ideal walking location, there is ample car 51 Aberdour Black Sands - Fife Fife Coastal Footpath passes above it. The beach is 60 Dunbar East - East Lothian outstanding views of the Pentland Firth and is variety of water sports. Extensive coastal walks and parking, toilets and an active ranger centre. From This is a small and secluded stretch of sand and off the A917 Crail - St. Andrews road; a 10 minutes popular with surfers. Access is not easy and care unique historical sites can be found nearby. From Aberdeen, take the A90 north for 8 miles and turn rocky outcrops which make it popular with the This sandy beach with rocky fringes located within the should be taken. Strathy Bay is off the A836, the A9 turn right onto the B9165. After Hill of Fearn right at the 2nd turning for Balmedie. Take the 2nd walk from the village. There is ample car parking. visitor and local alike. The beach is just off the heart of Dunbar is a great spot for locals and visitors. signposted to Strathy East. Keep left if entering turn left to remain on the B9165 until you meet the road on the left and follow this for 1 mile. A921. The beach is a 10 minute walk from the train There are regular rail and bus links to the centre of the village from the east and take the right fork if village. There is a bus service from Tain. 41 Crail Roome Bay - Fife station, to the west of the town. Dunbar. The beach runs parallel to the High Street. approaching from the west. Sustrans NCN 76 runs close to the beach. 20 Shandwick Bay - Highland 31 Aberdeen Beach - Aberdeen A naturally peaceful cove of sand with rock pools and a small paddling pool at one end providing This extensive sandy beach has dunes behind it 61 Coldingham - Scottish Borders 9 Melvich Beach - Highland The award section of this beach is to the south a haven for wildlife. A sloping grass area and 52 Portobello - Edinburgh A beautiful expanse of golden sands, the beach is and coastal paths pass by. There is easy access by the Beach Ballroom and sheltered by the A sheltered sandy beach framed by a rocky shore from the area to many local historical sites. From children’s playground provide the backdrop to Portobello, Edinburgh’s seaside, is located close bounded to the east by the river Halladale and the harbour. Behind the beach are cafés, restaurants and a colourful array of beach huts. Situated in the A9 turn right onto B9165, half a mile after the beach. Crail is on the Fife Coastal Footpath. to the city centre. There is a range of facilities west by rocky outcrops. Melvich Beach is popular and amusements. The esplanade is popular with a Marine Reserve there is plenty of wildlife to be Nigg roundabout. Follow this road until you reach Access to the beach is off Roome Bay Crescent, or including a swimming pool, promenade and a with surfers, dog walkers, and bathers. Access is walkers, cyclists, runners and inline skaters. The seen. A regular bus from Berwick-upon-Tweed Balintore. Turn right through the village and then beach is to the east of the city. There are buses a 10 minute walk from the town centre. variety of local cafes. The beach is located 3 miles via a track off the main Thurso to Melvich road. visits the village which is a short walk from the left after the harbour, down Sand Dune Walk. from the city centre and the esplanade is part of the 42 Anstruther Billowness - Fife to the east of the city. Portobello beach is a short beach. There is a small car park. RNLI lifeguards Buses from Inverness & Tain. North Sea Coastal Trail. drive or bus ride (No.26) from the city centre. 10 St Ninian’s Isle - Shetland This beach forms a quiet bay adjacent to a golf are present at high season. A picturesque beach linking the South Mainland 21 Nairn Central - Highland 32 Stonehaven - Aberdeenshire course. The beach is predominately sandy with a small number of rock pools and forms part of the with the Isle of St Ninian’s where there is a famous This busy sandy beach is easily accessible A popular coastal resort, well used by water sports Key to symbols archaeological site. There are facilities in nearby and fringed by dunes with a hinterland of open enthusiasts. The southern end of the bay is sandy East Weymss to Anstruther Coast Site of Special Bigton, and an RSPB site at Scousburgh. On the grassy links. The coastline is home to a resident and used more by bathers. Access the beach Scientific Interest (SSSI). The beach is sign posted Seaside Awards – This award symbolises Family friendly - These beaches include toilets, A970 from Lerwick to Sumburgh, turn on to the school of dolphins. The surrounding area hosts a from the southern end of the town at the historic from the A917 coastal route when approaching by excellence in beach management and parking, easy access and information about the B9122 towards Bigton. Follow this road for 1½ paddling pool, cafe and playground. The beach is harbour area or from the northern end via Beach car. There are no rail links. environmental best practice which ensures water quality, facilities and activities which take miles, and take the turning to Bigton. approximately half a mile from the train station and the maintenance of high standards so our place in the area. Often there are cafes, shops and Road which is adjacent to the Art Deco open air 43 Elie Woodhaven (Ruby Bay) - Fife a quarter of a mile from the nearest bus station. swimming pool. beaches are clean, safer and sustainable for children’s play areas close by. 11 West Sandwick, Yell - Shetland This beautiful sheltered sandy beach with rock community use. Beaches are awarded either 22 Loch Morlich Beach - Highland pools is a great place to watch birds and wildlife the Resort or Rural Seaside Award. Recreation friendly - Many of these beaches are A surprising little gem on the west coast of Yell 33 Montrose Seafront - Angus located on or near coastal walking and cycle routes. Scotland’s only fresh water award winning beach is while relaxing. Walks round the headland, starting offers amazing views. From the ferry follow the Blue Flag - Blue Flag is an international FEE Access to the beach can be steep or require a short situated at the foot of Cairngorm. This beautiful sandy This extensive golden beach is easily accessed by at Woodhaven Bay, link into the Fife Coastal Path. A968 until you see signposts for West Sandwick. steps and a boardwalk. Next to the beach is a play award scheme that operates in 50 countries walk, although car parking is usually provided. bay, at the end of Loch Morlich, provides an ideal site Beach guards are present at this beach. The beach Turn left onto the single track road and follow until area and paddling pool. The area also includes a worldwide. Blue Flag status is dependent for enjoying a wide range of activities, water sports can be accessed by car via Wadeslea Road and you reach a phone box. Take a left and follow the family run cafe and amusement centre. Located off on meeting criteria in four broad areas; Good for wildlife - These beaches are renowned and loch side forest walks. Take the ski road from by foot from the centre of Elie. Ruby Bay is within signs to the beach. There is a bus from Lerwick to Traill Drive, the Seafront Splash is well signposted environmental education & information, for wildlife watching. Rock pool creatures - crabs, Aviemore towards the Cairngorms. Drive along the walking distance of Elie Harbour beach. West Sandwick. from the Montrose A92 Arbroath and Aberdeen environmental management & safety, water starfish and anemones - and many seashore birds loch side to the end. The car park is on the right. approaches. The Sustrans National Route 1 quality and facilities/services. can easily be spotted. On a good day you may passes by Montrose. even see a seal, porpoise or dolphin. Let us know about your favourite award beach at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/beach