Loch Morlich is Scotland’s most picturesque beach, according to 'hashtag' data
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An online study using Instagram data has revealed that Loch Morlich is Scotland's most 'hashtagged' beach.
The study, carried out by LuxuryHotel.com, analysed Instagram hashtag data and the length of Scotland's most popular beaches to determine the areas with the highest amount of ‘hashtags per metre’.
Hashtags, which are a combination of letters, numbers or emoji symbols preceded by the # symbol, are widely used on social media to categorize content in an effort to make it more discoverable.
The study found that Loch Morlich beach, located in Aviemore, topped the list.
With a length of just over 500 metres and 37,021 hashtags on Instagram, it topped the list with 65.64 hashtags per metre.
The area offers facilities for water sports like kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing and offers several trails around the loch itself.
In 2009 the beach received a Resort Seaside award by the Keep Scotland Beautiful campaign.
Second place was reserved for Achmelvich bay, near Lochinver.
The north-west Sutherland beach has a length of just 143 metres and 7,504 hashtagged posts on Instagram, giving it a hashtags per metre score of 52.48.
Another popular spot for water sports, the beach gets very busy in the summer months and has a selection of camping and caravanning spots.
Additionally, the beach offers a small variety of amenities, including shops, a takeaway, and a youth hostel.
Seacliff Beach, in North Berwick, took third place.
A spokesperson from LuxuryHotel said: “What this study shows is that it’s not always the most popular beaches that are the best for photography, and Scotland offers lots of hidden gems for those that need a seaside getaway this summer.”
Hashtags per metre
1. Loch Morlich beach, Aviemore — 65.64
2. Achmelvich bay, by Lochinver — 52.48
3. Seacliff beach, North Berwick — 41.84
4. Elie beach, Leven — 31.95
5. Cramond beach, Edinburgh — 27.33
6. Portobello beach, Edinburgh — 18.04
7. White Sands, Dunbar — 17.27
8. Coldingham bay, Eyemouth — 15.76
9. Camusdarach beach, Mallaig — 11.84
10. Aberdeen beach, Aberdeen — 11.63
The study was conducted by luxuryhotel.com, which has curated the finest and most luxurious hotel rooms and suites from around the world.
