Keep Scotland Beautiful announces award beaches in South Ayrshire

Scotland's Beach Award celebrates 30 years of beach management

Ahead of the Jubilee weekend, environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful has announced that five beaches in South Ayrshire have become a prestigious Scotland's Beach Award winner - including Ayr Beach which is back in for 2022.

As we gear up for summer the good news is that around Scotland's iconic coastline, from Shetland to the Scottish Borders, there are now 53 award beaches - offering a great visitor experience while being managed to protect the environment.

This year alongside Ayr Beach, Maidens, Prestwick, Girvan and Troon South Beach have all been recognised with Scotland's Beach Award - the only national benchmark for local environmental quality celebrating clean, well-managed and sustainable beaches.

Scotland's beach awards in numbers:

·       53 winning beaches in 11 different local authority areas.

·       Two beaches celebrating 30 years as award winners in Fife and East Lothian.

·       Two new beaches join the award winners in Ayrshire - Ayr, and Irvine in North Ayrshire.

A full regional list and breakdown of award winners is attached.

Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said, "It is wonderful to see 53 sites win Scotland's Beach Award status this year, with five in the South Ayrshire 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."

Councillor Martin Kilbride, Buildings, Housing and Environment Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Councilsaid: "I am delighted that we have been recognised with these awards, we have some of the busiest beaches in Scotland and it takes a huge effort to maintain them.

"Once again, our beaches are set to attract thousands of visitors, and we continue to remind people to respect South Ayrshire and to dispose of their rubbish responsibly.

"I would like to thank community groups and individuals who go above and beyond to help keep our beaches looking their best."

To be successful in achieving Scotland's Beach Award, a beach must meet a range of criteria, including beach 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.  The full criteria can be accessedhere.

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