Keep Scotland Beautiful announces 52 winners of Scotland’s Beach Award

Our beautiful coastline has something for everyone.  From traditional family focused beaches to quiet little coves – and with 52 winners of Scotland’s Beach Award being announced today we’ve got your beach destination for 2025 covered.

Scotland’s Beach Award 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.

A total of 52 beaches have received the award this year, from Aberdeenshire to the Scottish Borders – with Newton Beach on Millport in North Ayrshire making a welcome comeback following investment work.

Fife retains its title as the region with the most awards, boasting 13 winning beaches while Aberdeenshire and East Lothian follow with eight award winning beaches.

Barry Fisher, our CEO 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.”

For three decades some of our most popular beaches – Fife’s St Andrews West Sands and Aberdour Silver Sands, Gullane Bents in East Lothian, Nairn Central in the Highlands retained the honour of award status.  Additionally, 42 beaches on the list have successfully achieved an award for 10 or more years.  Three beaches which celebrate a decade of award status for the first time this year include East Haven, which is managed by the local community in Angus and Troon in South Ayrshire.

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.”

Scotland’s Beach Award’s have been managed by us for more than 30 years playing a vital role in protecting our beaches for people and nature, encouraging people to visit responsibility and signposting people to beaches that meet their needs best.  A range of criteria must be met, including beach safety, access and facilities, and cleanliness. Focusing on local environmental quality, the award is designed to complement the work undertaken by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on bathing water quality.  

Check our map showing all the award-winning beaches with directions, facilities and images and get planning your next visit.