Scotland's cleanest beaches win awards
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Chris Reekie
Some of Scotland's most popular beaches, as well as a number of little-known gems, have been recognised for their high standards.
A total of 61 beaches have achieved Scottish Beach Award status in 2019, in recognition of their cleanliness, amenities and water quality data.
Among the winners are St Andrew's West Sands and Gullane Bents which have made the list for each of the last 27 years.
Irvine beach - front shore has made the list for the first time in 10 years.
Dunbar east beach in East Lothian has fallen off the list.
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Sarah Ridley
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Martin Geddes
The annual Scottish Beach Awards recognise the best beaches across the country and act as the national benchmark for local environmental quality.
This year Fife's coastline once again has the most awards, as it is home to 14 winning beaches.
The Highlands was second, with 12 successful award winners. They include Nairn central and Dornoch beaches, award winners since 1994 and 1995 respectively.
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Alex Grant
Keep Scotland Beautiful, the environmental charity which organises the scheme, said 54 beaches have held on to their awards for five or more consecutive years.
Its chief executive, Derek Robertson, said: "With the country set to mark 2020 as Scotland's Year of Coasts and Waters, it is only right that we celebrate the achievements of communities, organisations and local authorities across the country in making sure that our beaches provide visitors with the fantastic shoreline experience that they deserve.
"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."
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Lisa Stewart
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Euan Campbell
For a beach to be successful in achieving a beach award, it has to meet a range of criteria, including beach safety, access and facilities, and cleanliness.
VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead, said Scotland's waters were "greatly valued and cherished by communities and visitors alike".
"Thanks to Keep Scotland Beautiful and the passion from a range of organisations, local authorities and individuals to achieve recognition through the Scottish Beach Awards - both visitors and locals can enjoy a wide range of spectacular environmentally considerate beach settings across the country," he added.
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Lesley McLaughlin
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Alan Wallace
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Frances Menter
You can send us your beach pictures - or any other great shots from around Scotland - for our weekly gallery here.
