On June 27, tourism board Scotland Starts Here released a list of Scotland's best beaches, with Sandhead Beach in Dumfries and Galloway taking the top spot. Described as having "ridiculously white sand" and "crystal-clear water," the beach is located in the village of Sandhead on the Luce Bay coast, about seven miles south of Stranraer.
Top Beach: Sandhead Beach
Scotland Starts Here praised Sandhead Beach for its soft white sand, high-quality water, and opportunities to see wildlife such as seabirds and crabs. The bay also offers picturesque sunsets and a peaceful atmosphere. The tourism board noted: "If this beach was in Cornwall, there would be helicopters filming it for a luxury property programme. Instead, it’s in Dumfries and Galloway, where you can still walk for miles hearing nothing except waves, seabirds and the occasional delighted child discovering crabs in a rockpool."
Second Place: Coldingham Bay
Coldingham Bay in the Scottish Borders secured second place. Located within the St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve, the beach has been awarded the Seaside Award by Keep Scotland Beautiful and recognized by the Marine Conservation Society for its cleanliness and water quality. Known for surfing, the beach also offers kayaking and cliff walks. Scotland Starts Here commented: "One of Scotland’s great surfing beaches... The water is clean, the beach is beautiful, the surrounding cliff walks are absurdly photogenic."
Third Place: Southerness Beach
Southerness Beach, a wide sandy bay with views over the Solway Firth towards the Lake District, came third. The beach sits beneath a championship golf course, about 16 miles from Dumfries. It features a historic lighthouse dating to 1749, rock pools, and nearby cafés, making it family-friendly.
Top Five and Full List
Rounding out the top five are Mossyard Beach near Gatehouse of Fleet, praised for its sparkling water and peaceful atmosphere, and Eyemouth Beach in Eyemouth, noted for its character. The full list includes: Sandhead Beach, Coldingham Bay, Southerness Beach, Mossyard Beach, Eyemouth Beach, Luskentyre in Harris, Rockcliffe Beach, St Abbs, and Kippford. The majority are located in southern Scotland, reflecting the focus of Scotland Starts Here, the tourism organization for the South of Scotland.
