Loch Morlich one of five recognised in Scotland's latest beach awards

Ahead of the Jubilee weekend, environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful has announced that five beaches in the Highlands have become a prestigious Scotland’s Beach Award winner.

Loch Morlich, Scotland’s only fresh-water award beach, managed by Forestry and Land Scotland has retained its status as one of 53 winning beaches in 11 different local authority areas.

Scotland’s coastline, from Shetland to the Scottish Borders, is now home to 53 award beaches – offering a great visitor experience while being managed to protect the environment.

This year Brora, Sango Sands, Dornoch Beach and Nairn Central in the Highlands have all been recognised with Scotland’s Beach Award – the only national benchmark for local environmental quality celebrating clean, well-managed and sustainable beaches.

Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “It is wonderful to see 53 sites win Scotland’s Beach Award status this year, with five in the Highlands and we are delighted to celebrate with all those employees and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure award standards are maintained.

“As the only accreditation for beach management of its kind in Scotland, we aim to drive up environmental standards along the coastline of our country for residents and visitors alike.

“Scotland’s coastlines and waters attract thousands of visitors every year and I’d encourage everyone to #RespectProtectEnjoy these beaches this summer.”

To be successful in achieving Scotland’s Beach Award, a beach must meet a range of criteria, 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. The full criteria can be accessed here.

A map showing all the award-winning beaches with directions, facilities and images can be found at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/beach

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.