An Aberdeenshire beach has received a national accolade for the 20th year.
Inverboyndie beach near Banff has been recognised in Scotland’s Beach Awards.
Inverboyndie beach has received a Scotland’s Beach Award for the 20th time.
Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful announced that more than 50 beaches have scooped an accolade and will be flying the prestigious flag this summer.
Scotland’s Beach Awards celebrates the achievements of well managed beaches across the country meaning that visitors and locals can choose where they want to visit with the knowledge that the beach is being looked after for people, nature and the environment.
A total of 52 beaches have received the award this year, from Shetland to South Ayrshire.
Stonehaven beach also successfully achieved award status for the 20th year, along with Aberdeen Ballroom Beach and Coldingham Beach in the Scottish Borders, while Lunan Bay in Angus has reached its 10th year as an award-winning beach.
Five beaches have retained their status for more than three decades, while 43 beaches on the list have successfully achieved an award for 10 or more years.
Fife retains its title as the region with the most awards, boasting 13 winning beaches. Aberdeenshire follows with eight beaches receiving the award while there are seven award-winning beaches in East Lothian.
Barry Fisher, CEO at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Scotland’s Beach Awards are the benchmark for quality, celebrating clean, well-managed and sustainable beaches.
“Our award-winning beaches are all beautiful but seeing that flag flying means visitors can be assured that they are being looked after for people and nature.
“It is amazing to see the consistency of standards and continuation of award status matters to those who apply year after year, and I’d like to thank all those, in councils and communities, who do so much to protect, maintain and enhance our beaches, protecting the sand and sea for us all to enjoy.
“Our Beach Managers network meets twice a year and gathered online and in person on May 28 to prepare for the season ahead.
“With speakers from the Scottish Government, SEPA, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and more, it is inspiring to hear how everyone works together to overcome challenges and make our award winning beaches the best they can be.
“We’re always looking for new beaches to join the award network, so if you think yours meets the standards, please do get in touch with us for support.”
Councillor Alan Turner, Aberdeenshire Council infrastructure services committee chairman, said: “This achievement reflects a true collective effort. From the continued support and hard work of local communities alongside the year-round commitment of Landscape and Waste teams who work tirelessly in all conditions, and often out of public view, to clear debris from daily tides, respond to the impacts of winter storms, and ensure the beaches remain clean, safe and welcoming.
“These beaches are a vital asset to our coastal communities, serving as major attractions for visitors from across the country and beyond.
“They support new attractions and growing businesses, from the surf school at Inverboyndie, the paddleboarding service that tours Stonehaven beachfront, to the unique metal sculptures of local “Bansky” Jim Malcolm all contributing to the local tourism economy.
“Looking ahead, the council remains committed to balancing the needs of residents with the expectations of visitors, ensuring these valued coastal spaces and habitats continue to thrive while preserving the qualities that make them so special.”
In order to achieve Scotland’s Beach Awards, 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.
Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.