Polystyrene cups, crisp packets and oil drums: flotsam like this rarely features in marketing images of Scotland�s famous beaches, but sadly there�s plenty of it about. (With video)
Rebecca McQuillan and David Ross
Polystyrene cups, crisp packets and oil drums: flotsam like this rarely features in marketing images of Scotland's famous beaches, but sadly there's plenty of it about. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) this week reported in its annual Beachwatch survey that it had found more than 50,000 pieces of litter on Scottish beaches.
Yet the long-term trend in Scotland's water quality is one of improvement. Last year's Good Beach Guide by the MCS, assessing water quality in 2007, put 44 beaches in the "recommended" category - triple the number given that distinction in the 1998 guide.
From the Western Isles (which rival the eastern Mediterranean for white sand, if not temperature) to the teeming rockpools of East Lothian, Scotland's best beaches are varied and beautiful. Here are 10 of the best.
Balmedie Beach, Aberdeenshire
Eight miles north of Aberdeen, Balmedie's wild, sandy beach forms part of an extensive dune system which is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest - part of the reason that Donald Trump's proposed golf-course development nearby has been so controversial.
Troon Beach, Ayrshire
The most popular destination for windsurfers on the Firth of Clyde, this sandy beach backed by dunes has spectacular views across to Arran and is great for family days out.
Camusdarach, Morar
This white-sand beach near Arisaig, with spectacular views of the Cuillins on Skye, is the favourite of the actor Ewan McGregor, who used to spend childhood holidays here. (It also featured in Local Hero, starring his uncle Denis Lawson.) These neighbouring East Lothian beaches offer an uplifting sense of space within easy bolting distance of Edinburgh. Both boast fabulous views right across the Firth of Forth. Yellowcraigs is a sandy bay with extensive adjoining rockpools, while Gullane is known for its beautiful, rugged dunes. Heaven for birdwatchers and popular with surfers.
Luskentyre Bay, South Harris
One of the finest beaches in the Western Isles, Luskentyre Bay is hidden from the road above by vast dunes. But it is the breathtaking views to the mountains of North Harris and the island of Taransay (the setting for the television series Castaway) which set this place apart.
Mossyard, Dumfries and Galloway
This sweep of sandy beach near Gatehouse of Fleet has attractive rocky surroundings and is popular for activity holidays.
Sandwood Bay, south of Cape Wrath
Many beach aficionados regard Sandwood, just down the north-west coast from Cape Wrath, as the most magnificent in the UK. It is also one of the most difficult to reach. The nearest approach by public road is at Blairmore, north-west of Kinlochbervie; there then follows a four-mile moorland track to Sandwood Bay. But it's worth the effort: at Sandwood there is more than a mile of wide, pinkish sand with huge dunes and a loch at its back.
Sanna Bay, Ardnamurchan
Just north of the most westerly tip of mainland Britain, Ardnamurchan Point, Sanna Bay is accessed only by many tortuous single-track miles along the peninsula. But once you've arrived you'll find a bay of beautiful white-shell sand and azure sea, with exquisite views of the small isles such as Rum and Muck.
Waulkmill Bay, Orkney
Broad, sandy Waulkmill Bay, south-west of Kirkwall on mainland Orkney, is ideal for whiling away summer afternoons - and for birdwatching. It is flanked by the RSPB's Hobbister reserve, home to hen harriers, short-eared owls and curlews.
West Sands, St Andrews
This is the long, sandy beach stretching north of the town made famous in the opening scenes of Chariots of Fire. Ideal for games of rounders, walking or reading.
