Fife's beautiful beaches recognised with national 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 by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, they’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, with Fife retaining 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, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful 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.”

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.”

The Kingdom’s award-winning beaches are managed by Fife Coast and Countryside Trust. CEO Jeremy Harris said: “Once again Fife has landed the highest number of Scotland’s Beach Awards. This is testament to our hard-working team – supported by valued volunteers - who consistently deliver to ensure that our prized beaches are accessible to people and a delight to spend time at.

“We value our partnerships with Keep Scotland Beautiful, Fife Council, the RNLI and local communities, which help us maintain the high standards that visitors and locals expect.”

Fife’s award-winning beaches are at: Aberdour Silver Sands, Aberdour Black Sands, Anstruther Billowness, Burntisland, Crail Roome Bay, Elie Harbour, Elie Ruby Bay, Kinghorn Pettycur Bay, Kingsbarns, Kirkcaldy Seafield, Leven East, St Andrews East Sands and St Andrews West Sands.

Scotland’s Beach Award’s have been managed by Keep Scotland Beautiful 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.