Eight East Lothian beaches are amongst those to be recognised this year by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful with a Scotland’s Beach Award.
The award, now in its 32nd year, celebrates the achievements of well-managed beaches across the country, ensuring visitors and local residents can choose where they want to visit with the knowledge that the beach is being looked after for both the people who enjoy it and the environment. A total of 51 beaches have received an award this year.
The beaches recognised in East Lothian are: Dunbar East Beach, Gullane Bents, Belhaven Bay, Longniddry Bents, Longniddry Gosford, North Berwick Milsey Bay, North Berwick West Beach and Yellowcraig.
Scotland’s beaches are lynchpins of communities across the country, with stunning beauty spots ranging from rural to urban areas providing an attraction for people from across the country and beyond to come and enjoy.
Jenny Hargreaves, Countryside Team Manager with East Lothian Council, said:
“We’re thrilled that beaches in East Lothian, which are hugely popular attractions for both local residents and visitors, have again been recognised in Scotland’s Beach Awards. It’s testament to the hard work and dedication of council staff and volunteers, which means our beaches remain special places to enjoy and appreciate the stunning natural environment.”
Jamie Ormiston, Training and Accreditation Coordinator at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We’re delighted to announce the winners of Scotland’s Beach Awards 2024.
“This award is the benchmark for quality, celebrating clean, well-managed and sustainable beaches. Our award-winning beaches demonstrate excellent beach management and I’d like to thank all those who do so much to protect, maintain and enhance our beaches, protecting the sand and sea for us all to enjoy.
“Scotland’s beaches are for everyone to enjoy and we hope that people do so responsibly and keep them beautiful for us all.
“Every year we are delighted at the standard of Scotland’s Beach Award winners across the country, especially as beach managers and local communities are battling increased erosion and more regular devasting winter storms, often with limited resources. Not only are they able to keep our beaches open and accessible, they are also maintaining facilities to a high standard and supporting local people and visitors to take action for the environment. It really is inspiring to witness.”
A map showing all the award-winning beaches with directions, facilities and images can be found at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/beach