Beach near Banff wins Keep Scotland Beautiful award
A beach has been recognised in Keep Scotland Beautiful’s annual awards for 2025.
Scotland's Beach Award is the benchmark for quality, celebrating clean, well-managed and sustainable beaches.
Inverboyndie beach near Banff was one of eight managed by Aberdeenshire Council to win the accolade.
The award-winning beaches demonstrate excellent management and environmental best practice, and the maintenance of high standards.
The eight award-winning beaches managed by Aberdeenshire Council were Collieston, Cruden Bay, Fraserburgh (Tigerhill), Fraserburgh (Waters of Philorth), Inverboyndie, Peterhead Lido, Stonehaven, and Balmedie.
The awards are presented annually after an application and assessment process to ensure the beaches meet strict standards in three key areas: access, facilities and safety; local community and heritage; and environmental quality.
Scotland's Beach Award, by Keep Scotland Beautiful, is the only accreditation for beach management of its kind in Scotland that includes an on-site assessment of every beach.
Keep Scotland Beautiful is a charity that works to combat climate change, reduce litter and waste, restore nature and biodiversity, and improve places.
Aberdeenshire Council’s sustainability committee chairwoman Councillor Sarah Dickinson said: “Thank you to everyone who helps to maintain our beaches. Together, you protect vital, biodiverse havens for wildlife and ensure our beaches remain a spectacular destination for all.
“From the bothies to the beach cleans, to our dedicated staff and every visitor who leaves no trace, these awards recognise your efforts and celebrate how fortunate we all are to have access to such amazing and well-maintained stretches of coastline.”
A total of 52 beaches in Scotland have received the award this year. A map showing all the award-winning beaches with directions, facilities, images and more information can be found at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/beach
Barry Fisher, chief executive 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.”
Vicki Miller, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: “Scotland has thousands of miles of coastline, providing a huge choice of beaches to enjoy stunning scenery and unique experiences.
“Whether visitors are looking for tranquil islands and rural escapes or the bustling cities and towns boasting serene shores, there is something for everyone.
“Congratulations to all the winners for their achievements. It is particularly encouraging to see some beaches making a return to the awards.
“This demonstrates a real dedication to improving the visitor experience and environment.
“Our communities, along with our natural and cultural heritage, are what make Scotland so special. It is vital we protect and preserve them for the future.”
