National recognition for beaches in Highland

30th May 2012

Twelve Highland beaches have been given the coveted Seaside Award by the country's leading charity for the environment, Keep Scotland Beautiful. The award, given annually, recognises high standards of cleanliness, safety, and water quality.

Proudly flying the Rural Seaside Award Flag in Highland this year will be Loch Morlich - Scotland's only inland bathing water to be awarded (has been flying the flag consistently since 2009), Achmelvich Bay (since 2001), Brora Beach (since 2002), Dornoch Beach (since 1995), Durness - Sango Beach (since 2003), Embo Beach (since 2002), Golspie (since 2001), Melvich (since 2009), Nairn Central (since 1994), Portmahomack (since 2004), Shandwick Bay (since 2003), and Strathy Bay (since 2002).

Derek Robertson, Keep Scotland Beautiful's Chief Executive, said: "With an increasing number of people choosing to take their holidays at home in Scotland, there has never been a better time to enjoy your local Highland beaches. The Seaside Award highlights that these beaches are an important resource to the local economy and that they are your beaches to enjoy.

"There is something for everyone amongst this year's Scottish winners - from large beaches with lifeguarded swimming areas and bustling promenades, to secluded bays which are havens for wildlife, and windswept beaches perfect for wind & kite surfing."

He added: "I am delighted that Highland has achieved twelve Seaside Award Flags this year - over the last 12 years the number of Seaside Awards in Scotland has more than quadrupled, there were just 13 in 2000, so I would like to pay tribute to all the hard work that goes in to achieving and keeping these awards by Highland Council, the Forestry Commission and the local communities, and I would encourage everyone, particularly in this economic climate, to make use of the fantastic beaches we have around the Scottish coast this summer".

A map showing all the award winning beaches with descriptions, directions, facilities and pictures can be found at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/coastal, along with an option for people to rate their favourite award beaches.