10 lovely beaches

SINCLAIR’S BAY

One of the Caithness coast’s beauties, appealing to action-loving surfers and bird and seal-spotting enthusiasts.

SANDGREEN BEACH

On the coast next to Gatehouse of Fleet, popular for watersports, rock pooling and much more.

WEST PORT BEACH

Stretches over six miles, with the Machrihanish Dunes as its backdrop and the biggest sand dune area in Argyll.

BIG SAND

Islands in the shallows and the Torridon hills inland combine to form a glorious view.

BRIGHOUSE BAY

Near Kirkcudbright, a popular starting point for a great walk round the Galloway coastline.

LOCH MORLICH

Miles from the sea, the country’s least-known beach has gorgeous golden sands.

SHANDWICK

The Easter Ross beach has dunes behind, rocky area north and south and a great walk to the pretty harbour of Balintore nearby.

SANGO BAY

Delightful views of the North Minch, with the enchanting Smoo Cave amid the crags. Explore it by boat.

SEACLIFF

There’s a clifftop castle near North Berwick with the chance to spot 150,000 gannets – via binoculars – out on Bass Rock.

SOUTH HARRIS

Seemingly-endless miles of white sands on the island TripAdvisor has voted the best in Europe.