Sutherland beaches dominate winning Highland line-up
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Three out of five Highland beaches to gain a 2021 Keep Scotland Beautiful beach award are in Sutherland.
Dornoch, Brora and Sango Sands (Durness) beaches were among the winning line-up along with Loch Morlich and Nairn Central.
The environmental charity's Scotland's Beach Awards are the only national benchmark for local environmental quality and celebrate clean, well-managed and sustainable beaches.
All award-winning beaches are assessed annually and must demonstrate excellent beach management and environmental best practice.
The three Sutherland beaches are all managed by Highland Council and community councils and have long featured in the awards.
Dornoch beach, which has been in the line-up since 1995, also has a beach improvement group which works to improve facilities there.
Brora has been on the list since 2002 and Durness since 2003.
Keep Scotland Beautiful chief executive Barry Fisher said: "Scotland's Beach Award is the only accreditation for beach management of its kind in the country. It recognises our fabulous beaches and drives up environmental standards for residents and visitors alike.
"Last year we weren't able to celebrate the success and hard work of the beach managers, many of whom worked extra-long hours to ensure that their beaches were well managed despite local lockdowns.
"But, it's thanks to the incredible work of those in the Highlands that we are able to experience these clean beaches with excellent amenities and information about water quality.
"I personally would like to say a massive thank-you to them for keeping Scotland's beaches beautiful and remind everyone who enjoys them to leave only footprints and take their litter home."
Highland council convener Bill Lobban said: "I am absolutely delighted that the successful coast management and excellent quality of these Highland beaches has been nationally recognised.
"I would encourage everyone to get out and enjoy exploring these award-winning beaches and all the other fantastic ones we are lucky to have."
