Scotland's diverse coastline, adorned with urban beaches, pristine sandy stretches, and over 900 offshore islands, beckons beach lovers and outdoor adventurers alike.

Keep Scotland Beautiful* has recognised over 50 of Scotland's finest beaches with prestigious awards, ensuring that a beach getaway is both beautiful and sustainable. Whether a seasoned beachgoer or looking to uncover a hidden gem, find suggestions below to inspire an idyllic Scottish beach break, perfect for a year-round getaway:

 

• St Ninian's Isle, Shetland

Discover the awe-inspiring St Ninian's Isle in Shetland, where a captivating tombolo stretches 500 metres, connecting it to the mainland. Acclaimed as one of Scotland's finest beaches, this unique destination promises an invigorating walk and scenic spots for picnics or sunbathing. Venture across the tombolo to explore St Ninian's Isle, home to an ancient chapel and the legendary discovery of a Celtic silver horde in 1958, presumed to have been hidden by monks to keep it safe from Viking raiders…Replicas of the horde can be admired at the Shetland Museum and Archives, while the original is housed in Edinburgh.

Other beaches located in Shetland which achieved a Keep Scotland Beautiful Award include The Sands of Breckon, a beautiful white sand beach in the north of Yell and the lesser-known, West Sandwick Beach, boasting quaint sandy shores on the west coast of Yell.

 

• Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire

Also winning a Keep Scotland Beautiful award, Cruden Bay's pink-hued sands and panoramic views create a stunning natural landscape, framed by cliffs and lush greenery for the best of both worlds. Located just south of Longhaven Cliffs, Cruden Bay is a haven for seabirds and nature lovers.

 

• Ganavan Sands, Oban

This picturesque sandy beach boasts easy access, and great views out to Mull, Lismore and Morven. The beach also lies adjacent to a super coastal walk. Stop by Ardchattan Priory Gardens for breathtaking views and enchanting flora. Stay at Thistle Award* winner for Best B&B Melfort House, an oasis of tranquillity and culinary delights located on the ​shores of Loch Melfort in Argyll.

 

• Isle of Coll, Inner Hebrides

With pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, this island offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore its underwater wonders and is a must-visit snorkelling destination. Join Basking Shark Scotland and embark on an extraordinary adventure to experience the awe-inspiring presence of basking sharks in the waters of Scotland.

 

• Cullen beach, Buckie

Cullen Beach is an attractive sandy beach with excellent water quality and plenty of space.

Behind the large rocks named the 'Three Kings', is Cullen Beach, a wide expanse of golden sand which sits in front of Cullen Links golf course and there are plenty of coastal walks and trails to follow.  Cullen Bay is well sheltered by the surrounding cliffs and moray dolphins are often spotted from the beach and bay. There is free car parking underneath the viaduct with facilities beside the golf clubhouse. There are plenty of shops in Cullen town centre, however nothing quite beats a poke of chips right on the beach from the Cullen Beach Burger Bar.

 

• Carnoustie, Angus

Award-winning Carnoustie beach is situated in a beautiful east facing sandy bay with extensive views over the Tay estuary to Fife and Tentsmuir Forest. It is backed by the world famous Carnoustie Golf Course which played host to the Open Golf Championships in 1999, 2007 and the 147th Championship in 2018.

Located only a few minutes' walk from the train station and Carnoustie town centre. This beach is easily accessed by steps and ramps. The adjacent public park is home to a children's play area, paddling pool, crazy golf, outdoor tennis court and wheeled sports facility.

 

• Isle of Arran, Ayrshire

With its rich geological heritage and stunning coastal landscapes, every step along Arran's beaches unveils a piece of Scotland's geological history. Stop by The COAST Discovery Centre to learn about the island's marine biodiversity and conservation efforts or opt to join in shore scrambles and snorkelling sessions, entry to the centre is free.

 

• Balephuil Bay, Tiree, Inner Hebrides

Known as the 'Hawaii of the North', Tiree provides a tranquil paradise to relax and unwind. With white-shell beaches and turquoise waters, Balephuil Bay is the perfect place for a swim and a firm favourite for surfers, thanks to the warm waters brought in by the Gulf Stream.  Fancy giving surfing a go? Blackhouse Watersports are fully equipped to cater for all levels.  When visiting this beautiful spot, be sure to take binoculars, as this is a favourite amongst nature-lovers, with a wealth of wildlife living around this part of the island's north-west coastline.

 

• Portobello Beach, Edinburgh

Portobello Beach has been a favourite amongst visitors and locals and features a bustling promenade. This beautiful stretch of sandy beach with low tides is the perfect place for beginners to experience a refreshing cold-water dip.

 

Gullane Bents, East Lothian

• This sandy spot in East Lothian has won the Scotland's Beach Award 31 years in a row. Gullane Bents is a popular beach for walking, sunbathing and windsurfing. There is also the option to walk to Gullane Point for spectacular views over the bay and the Firth of Forth.

 

• Nairn Beach, Highlands

This award-winning beach is situated in the middle of Nairn, and is popular amongst families, be sure to keep an eye on the horizon as Nairn Beach is home to a resident school of dolphins. There is also a brilliant range of coastal walks in either direction with a stunning nature reserve, Culbin Sands, at Kingsteps in the east and a viewpoint to the west.

 

 

The Uists, Outer Hebrides

• If looking for a "get away from it all" experience, then the islands that make up Uist are the place to be. With miles and miles of quiet beachesto the west, and hills and moorland to the east, this combined with a lively warm community, the feeling of space from the wide open skies and being welcomed by friendly islanders will be sure to relax, rejuvenate and feed the soul.

Nestled between Lewis and Harris to the north and Barra and Vatersay to the south, Uist is easily accessed by ferries from the mainland and from the other islands. Uist is the collective name commonly used for the islands that make up Uist (or The Uists). These are Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay and despite all being linked by a causeway, each has their own story and character. Also included are The Monach Isles, which are off the coast of North Uist and have been uninhabited since 1948.

 

• Orkney

Orkney boasts hundreds of miles of coastline and countless islands, offering an abundance of pristine white sandy beaches. The mainland features fantastic beaches like Dingieshowe, Glimps Holm, and the Sands of Wright. For a more secluded experience, venture to the smaller islands like Sanday and Stronsay, where stunning beaches await discovery, often free from crowds. Highlights include Rackwick in Hoy with its towering sandstone cliffs and Westray's serene Grobust beach.

 

 

On the horizon…

·       Lost Shore Surf Resort, Edinburgh, coming September 2024

The Lost Shore Surf Resort is coming to Scotland in September 2024, when it will proudly become Europe's largest inland surfing destination. Based in Edinburgh, this world-class facility will bring an iconic sport to a new inland home. Capable of generating up to 1,000 waves per hour, the state-of-the-art surf lake will be set within a 60-acre country park, offering luxury accommodation, food market, shopping, and a wellness spa.

 

Ends

 

 

 

 

For more inspiration on a coastal getaways in Scotland, please visit: The Best & Most Beautiful Beaches in Scotland | VisitScotland

A full regional list and breakdown of award winners can be found at

*From Shetland to Scottish Borders, there are 51 beaches across Scotland which have been awarded for excellence in three key areas: Access, facilities and safety, Local Environmental Quality, and Community and Heritage. A full regional list and breakdown of Keep Scotland Beautiful award winners can be found at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/beach

 

ENDS

For more information and images, please contact:  

 

rachel.holloway@visitscotland.com / TravelPR@visitscotland.com  

 

VisitScotland media toolkit: Visit Scotland Media Toolkit  

 

 

Notes to Editors

 

*Delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with regional awards programmes, the Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate individual businesses, people and partnership working across 18 different categories. The awards have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration, and innovation within one of the Scotland's most important sectors. For more information visit www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk  

 

 

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Water safety

• It is always important to be careful when around bodies of water. Visitors are advised to plan ahead, follow the Water Safety Code and local guidance such as tide times to keep themselves and others safe.
• For more information visit the Water Safety Scotland website.
• For a list of lifeguarded beaches in Scotland visit the RNLI website.

 

 

PLEASE NOTE      

This copy was correct at the time of going to press. VisitScotland cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information and accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation.  All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained herewith, or in the event of any company, individual or firm ceasing to trade, is hereby excluded.