Seaside Awards

About

A record equalling 61 beaches were awarded Seaside Award status for the 2012 season. The Seaside Award programme runs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

To allow for the very different character of Scottish beaches the award is broken down into two categories; resort and rural.

Resort - A total of 28 criteria must be met. Resort Seaside Award beaches are usually actively promoted to encourage visitors and are within easy access of developed facilities. The resort beach typically provide toilets, public transport, first aid, access and facilities for disabled people, information boards, maps, appropriate safety management and excellent standards of cleanliness. The beaches sometimes have cafes or shops close by.

Rural - A minimum of 14 criteria must be met. Rural Seaside Award beaches are usually not as developed as Resort Seaside Award ones. They often only have basic facilities and access can be down steep steps or across dunes. They must be clean and promote sustainable behaviour on information boards, provide maps and have appropriate safety management. Community involvement is also encouraged.

To find out what each Seaside Award beach offers before visiting check out the information via our online map. Seaside Awards are only given for the bathing season from 1st June to 15th September, but some beaches chose to fly the flag for a slightly shorter time.

To find out more about applying for a Seaside Award please contact beach@ksbscotland.org.uk

Seaside Award Resort Criteria

Seaside Award Rural Criteria