Carnoustie and Monifieth beaches among six in Angus to win awards

In addition, this year East Haven, Lunan Bay, Montrose Seafront, Arbroath and East Haven have all been recognised with awards - the only national benchmark for local environmental quality celebrating clean, well-managed and sustainable beaches.

The Scotland’s Beach Award is celebrating 30 years of beach management and around Scotland’s iconic coastline, from Shetland to the Scottish Borders, there are now 53 award-winning beaches.

To achieve and award, a beach must meet a range of criteria including 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.

Councillor Beth Whiteside, Angus Council leader, said the local authority is delighted to have once again been listed among the award winners.

She added: “The council is very proud of all the work our teams and local community groups do to make sure our beaches are clean, safe and attractive for everyone to enjoy.”

Wendy Murray, lead trustee with East Haven Together, also welcomed the news.

She said: “The award recognises the great efforts the community make to keep the beach and local amenity as clean, safe and attractive as possible.

"We welcome thousands of visitors over the summer months and want everybody to enjoy our beautiful Angus coastline.”

Barry Fisher, Keep Scotland Beautiful CEO, added: “It’s wonderful to see 53 sites win award status this year, with six in Angus, 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.”

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said that the country’s diverse coastal scenery is vital part of Scotland’s tourism offering, which attracts visitors from within Scotland, the UK and overseas.

He said: “Over the last two years interest in coastal destinations has remained high as people have sought outdoor locations and activities with our own research showing the positive benefits being near the water can have on well-being.

“Scotland’s Beach Awards winners are a sign of the high-quality visitors can experience. Congratulations to 53 beaches awarded status this year and to Keep Scotland Beautiful on the 30th anniversary of the scheme.

“Valued by communities and visitors alike, to ensure our beaches are protected for the enjoyment of all, we ask everyone to be respectful and responsible when visiting, looking after our natural landscape and leaving no trace of their visit.”

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