Keep Scotland Beautiful has announced that eight of East Lothian’s beaches have been honoured with a prestigious Scotland’s Beach Award.
The award, now in its 33rd year, is the only national benchmark for local environmental quality and celebrates clean, well-managed and sustainable beaches.
The environmental charity gave the accolade to 52 beaches across the country.
The beaches recognised in East Lothian are Yellowcraig, Dunbar East Beach, Belhaven Bay, Longniddry Bents, Longniddry Gosford, North Berwick Milsey Bay, North Berwick West Beach and Gullane Bents.
A range of criteria must be met to achieve a Scotland’s Beach Award, including beach safety, access and facilities, and cleanliness.
Phenomenal assets
Councillor Colin McGinn, East Lothian Council’s spokesperson for Community Wellbeing, said: “I’m delighted that eight beaches across the county have received this honour. Council staff and volunteers work hard all year round to keep these treasured places at their best.
“The visitors who enjoy these wonderful natural environments can also continue to play their part in ensuring East Lothian’s beaches remain outstanding beauty spots.”
Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Scotland’s award-winning beaches demonstrate excellent beach management, and we hope that all who visit this year play their part in keeping them beautiful. I’d like to congratulate all those who do so much to protect, maintain and enhance our beaches, protecting the sand and sea for us all to enjoy – from the local authorities to the communities who care so passionately about these phenomenal assets."
A map showing all the award-winning beaches with directions, facilities and images can be found at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/beach