Coastlines across Courier Country have been celebrated for their beauty and environmental standards as part of the 2019 Scottish Beach Awards.
The charity Keep Scotland Beautiful has awarded 61 locations Scottish Beach Award status this year, with Fife retaining the regional top spot at 14 awards.
The official bathing season gets underway across Scotland today and the annual prize is regarded as a national benchmark for local environmental quality.
St Andrews West Sands and Gullane Bents in East Lothian are both clebrating 27 consecutive years as award winners.
Arbroath West Links, Carnoustie, Lunan Bay, Monifieth, Montrose and East Haven secured the sought-after status in Angus.
Aberdour Black Sands, Aberdour Silver Sands, Anstruther Billowness, Burntisland Beach, Crail Roome Bay, Elie Harbour, Elie Ruby Bay, Kinghorn Pettycur Bay, Kingsbarns, Kirkcaldy Seafield, Leven East, St Andrews East Sands, St Andrews West Sands and Kirkcaldy Pathhead Sands were all successful in Fife.
Broughty Ferry beach also achieved the status for a 16th year.
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Dundee City Council neighbourhood services convener Kevin Cordell said it was a fantastic achievement for the Ferry.
He added: ““It is also great news that the bathing water quality there has been designated excellent under the EU Bathing Water Classification.
“The beach has always been a huge asset for Dundee and continues to be enjoyed by visitors and locals all year round, but particularly during the summer months.”
Successful beaches had to meet a range of criteria, including beach safety, access and facilities, and cleanliness.
Focusing on local environmental standards, the award is designed to complement the work currently undertaken by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on bathing water quality.
Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said the nation’s beaches had “shaped our history and influenced our culture, our stories, and our way of life”.
He added: “They are greatly valued and cherished by communities and visitors alike, so it is fitting that in 2020 we have a full year dedicated to shining a spotlight on them as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters celebrations.”
Derek Robertson, chief executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Scotland’s coastlines and waters attract thousands of visitors every year.
“These beach users can be assured that where they see the Scottish Beach Award flag they will have the experience they are looking for: a clean beach, excellent amenities and signposting about the local area, as well as information about water quality.”
