2022 marks 30 years since the first two beaches in Scotland were recognised in the Scottish Beach Awards – Gullane Bents in East Lothian, and St Andrews West Sands in Fife.

Scotland’s Beach Award celebrates well managed beaches and acts as a benchmark for local environmental quality.

This year, a total of 53 beaches across Scotland have achieved the accolade, including 14 in the South Scotland region.

Over the years, beaches in the South Scotland region have been particularly successful in achieving the award and Martin Whitfield MSP believes the milestone is worth celebrating.

Welcoming the awards’ anniversary, Martin Whitfield MSP said: 

“Over the last 30 years Scotland’s Beach Awards have made a significant contribution to the efforts of communities, councils and others interested in protecting and enhancing our world class beaches.

“This important milestone is worthy of recognition and celebration. I commend Keep Scotland Beautiful for its work on our beaches and everything else it does to combat climate change, tackle litter and waste, and protect and enhance the places we live, work and visit.”

Find out more about Scotland’s Beach Awards and the most recent recipients at Scotland’s Beach Awards | The Beach Guide | Map (keepscotlandbeautiful.org)