Access and facilities

To meet the requirements of the Beach Award, the following criteria relating to acess and facilities must be met.

Major criteria:

• So far as is reasonably practicable, safe access to the beach award area must be provided for all.
• Where provided, toilet facilities must be clean and well maintained, with provisions for washing/drying hands, toilet roll, waste bins and sanitary bins. Opening times should be displayed clearly. In areas where there are no toilet facilities Beach Operators should provide information on the nearest facilities.

Minor criteria:

• Where camping is permitted under the Scottish Access Code, the Beach Operator should have adequate measures in place to ensure that camping does not affect award criteria i.e. cleanliness. The Beach Operator should manage unauthorised camping or driving on the beach.
• The Beach Operator must ensure that any buildings, facilities and equipment present are maintained to a high standard. If buildings are found to be in a state that may pose danger to the public, this will be escalated to a major non-compliance issue.
• The Beach Operator must provide adequate parking facilities, and where appropriate, with suitable disabled access. Where necessary, advice should be sought from suitable organisations to develop traffic management plans.

Best Practice

• The Beach Operator should encourage and promote sustainable transport options such as bicycles (which may include provision for bicycle paths/storage) and bus travel (with appropriate timetable information).