9 Beautiful beaches in Scotland

Located on the South Mainland of Shetland, Scousburgh Sands is a long, sweeping beach where wide-open space and white sands meet turquoise waters. Listen to the waves rolling in as you dip your toes in the water and enjoy the views across the bay, with dunes and gentle farmland behind you.

Beach fact: thanks to Shetland’s northerly latitude, you can experience the ‘simmer dim’ here in summer, when the beach is bathed in a soft, golden glow well past sunset.

Explore Scousburgh Sands

Plan your trip to Shetland

The refreshing and clean breeze of the North Atlantic greets you as you stroll across the vast, pale sand of Tolsta Beach. Tucked away in a quiet crofting village, just a short drive from Stornoway, this peaceful cove feels cut off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is the ideal stop for a picnic, with the rhythm of crashing waves as a soothing background noise. It is a beautiful introduction to the Outer Hebrides where expansive views, a rich archaeological heritage, vibrant Gaelic culture and welcoming locals all come together. It’s easy to see why it was named one of the ‘Best of the World’ destinations in 2025 by National Geographic.

Beach fact: this exposed stretch of coastline is popular with surfers thanks to its strong swells.

Experience Tolsta beach

Plan your trip to the Outer Hebrides

Head to Dumfries and keep travelling south until you reach Southerness Beach. Silhouetted against the horizon and located directly on the beach is Southerness Lighthouse, which is the perfect destination for a relaxing beach stroll with views of the Solway Firth. The wide, sandy beach with rocky shores is an ideal place to spend a day out in the fresh air. Launch your sea kayak into the surf or explore the hidden rock pools at low tide for interesting sea life. Four-legged friends can run to their heart’s delight as the sands stretch on for miles.

Beach fact: Southerness is home to Scotland’s second-oldest lighthouse, first lit in 1749, and one of the few in the country you can walk right up to on the beach itself. You can even book a stay here.

Visit Southerness Beach

Plan your trip to Dumfries & Galloway

Along the Moray Firth on the north-east coast of Scotland, you’ll find plenty of charming towns and beaches, and Findhorn is not to be missed. Go for an evening stroll on the long stretch of white sand of Findhorn Bay and see the sun set on the horizon. Visit the nearby nature reserve with its bird hide and keep your eyes peeled for wading birds in the surf or ospreys scanning the water for fish.

Beach fact: the Moray Firth is one of the best places in the UK to spot bottlenose dolphins from the shore, with a resident population that can often be seen close to land near Findhorn.

Explore Findhorn Bay

Plan your trip to Moray Speyside

Also known as Laggan Bay, the Big Strand is the longest sandy beach on the Isle of Islay, stretching from Laggan Point in the north to Kintra in the south. Stroll along the vast sands, feel the refreshing sea breeze and enjoy the peace and quiet this coastline offers. Big Strand is perfect for a family day out, where children can build sandcastles and fly kites, while your furry companion will enjoy a good run. If you’re visiting after heavy rainfall, take care near the River Laggan at the northern end of the beach, as crossing it can be difficult.  

Beach fact: thanks to its vast, flat sands and exposure to Atlantic winds, the Big Strand is a popular spot for kite surfing and can even be used for beach land yachting when conditions are right.

Explore Big Strand Beach

Plan your trip to Islay

The Isle of Mull is known for its dramatic geology and rocky coastline, but Calgary Bay stands out with its white sand and clear waters. Standing on the shore, you can look out across the Atlantic to the islands of Tiree and Coll. Time seems to slow down as you unwind on a sunny day. Visit the nearby café and walk along the beach with a hot drink or ice cream whilst listening to the gentle rushing of the waves.

Beach fact: keep an eye out for white-tailed sea eagles, which have been breeding on Mull since 1985.

Unwind at Calgary Bay

Plan your visit to the Isle of Mull

Just over an hour from Edinburgh, Coldingham Bay is one of several beautiful beaches along the Berwickshire coast in the Scottish Borders. Feel the sand beneath your feet as you walk along the shoreline, watch surfers riding the waves and keep an eye out for wildlife along the coast.   

Popular with walkers, families and dog walkers alike, it’s the perfect place for seaside strolls, rock pooling and blowing the cobwebs away. Walk along the Creel Path from Coldingham to St Abbs, for crystal-clear waters and the chance to spot wildlife.

Beach fact: Coldingham is home to the Coldingham Priory – the former house of Benedictine monks – with records dating back as far as 640 AD.

Visit Coldingham Bay

Plan your trip to the Berwickshire coast

A city beach with a bucket-and-spade load of charm! Try your hand at watersports, wander along the vast golden coastline, or keep an eye on the water for bottlenose dolphins in the summer months. Follow the art-deco inspired esplanade towards Footdee (pronounced 'Fittie') and walk through winding streets, past rows of charming cottages, originally built for fishermen who worked in the harbour.

Beach fact: on rainy days or for a fun family day out, head to Innoflate along the beachfront, the first indoor inflatable theme park in Scotland.

Take a trip along Aberdeen Beach

Plan your trip to Aberdeenshire

The Fife coastline is full of charming villages and scenic spots, and Elie & Earlsferry Beach is no exception. Sink your toes into the golden sand, build sandcastles with the family or enjoy a picnic with views across the bay. Watch boats bobbing in the water in Elie Harbour before trying some watersports or unwind at the Elie Seaside Sauna.

Beach fact: at low tide, the sheltered bay at Elie Harbour Beach joins Earlsferry, giving walkers nearly a mile to enjoy a refreshing coastal walk.

Relax at Elie Seaside Sauna

Visit Elie & Earlsferry Beach

Plan your trip to Fife

This list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.