When thinking of Scotland's exquisite natural beauty, we all tend to think of craggy mountains and sweeping forests – and they're justifiably famous.
But we often forget about the magnificent sandy beaches which dot the coastline, the equal of anything you'll find in the Seychelles or Maldives – and what they lack in temperature, they make up for in tranquility and unspoilt charm.
North Coast of Iona
The small island of Iona lies off the southwest coast of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. Just 1.5 miles wide and 3 miles long, it has a population of just 120 permanent residents who, in addition to enjoying the island's scattering of stunning beaches, also live alongside an array of incredible wildlife including seals, puffins, dolphins, whales and basking sharks.
Luskentyre sands, Isle of Harris
Located on the west coast of South Harris in the Outer Hebrides, Luskentyre is one of the largest and most spectacular beaches on Harris. Boasting miles of white sand and stunning green-blue water, this unique place was named as one of the UK’s best beaches in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
Camusdarach beach, Morar
On the West coast of Scotland, north of Fort William and a few miles from Morar, you’ll find Camusdarach. Famous for its stunning silver sands and crystal clear turquoise water – and also the film Local Hero – the beach has shallow water to paddle in and views out to the Isle of Skye.
Langamull beach, Isle of Mull
This beach is one of Mull’s best kept secrets, treating visitors to an expanse of glistening white shell sand and hidden coves to explore. It’s a stunning secluded beach that requires a good 20 minute walk to get there, but the spectacular views out to Rum on a clear day make a trip well worth it.
Eoligarry Beach, Isle of Barra
This white shell sand beach can be found near the most northerly point on the Isle Of Barra. Magnificent sand is backed by dunes, and the sands connect the rocky northern part of Barra to the rocks of Ben Eoligarry Mór.
Traigh Iar, Isle of Harris
The expansive beach provides stunning views across to the Isle of Taransay and towards the Harris Hills. A great spot for bracing walks and at the north end of the beach, you will find the legendary standing stone of Clach MhicLeoid, up a short, steep slope, which is rumoured to have been erected around 5,000 years ago.
Bhatarsaigh Bay, Vatersay
Vatersay is the southernmost inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides, and this beach on its eastern side is absolutely beautiful. The island is just three miles by three, and indeed is almost two separate islands – it's deeply indented by the sea from the east and west, with only a narrow strip of sandy grassland and dunes at its narrowest point.
Mellon Udrigle, Wester Ross
Backed by dunes, Mellon Udrigle is an incredibly attractive piece of coastline in Wester Ross with unparalleled views of the Highlands. The mixture of clear, turquoise water, clean white sand and the distant mountain vista makes this a truly unique spot.
West Beach, Berneray
Stretching for a massive three miles, this expanse of white sand is ideal for walking – especially in summer, when it's a haven for wildlife. The grassland is also dotted with an assorted variety of wildflowers, including some rare orchids that make a visit well worth it.
The Monks, Iona
The full name of this incredibly striking landscape is Traigh Ban Nam Monach, Gaelic for ‘white strand of the monks’. Iona can get quite busy in the summer months, but this beautiful beach is generally peaceful regardless – a perfect retreat for a more tranquil experience.
This piece was inspired by an email we received from Premier Inn.
-
An utterly charming island home in Scotland with gardens so beautiful they made the cover of Country LifeAn Cala on the Isle of Seil has a fascinating history that is only enhanced by its amazing setting.
-
The legacy od Dad's ArmyKate Green takes a look at Dad’s Army, the iconic BBC sitcom written by David Croft and Jimmy Perry.
-
What do 32 pigeons, 38 dogs, four horses and one cat have in common? They've all been awarded a Dicken medal, and now you can have one tooPunch and Judy, two brave boxer dogs, saved the lives of British officers in Palastine. Now Judy's PDSA Dickin Medal will go under the hammer at Noonans on June 11.
-
Forget catnip, it's all about catmintNepeta, the highly aromatic and pretty perennial beloved of so many country gardens, may be your feline’s favourite fix, but we should be wary of its root, warns Deborah Nicholls-Lee
-
‘It's a bit like a pub, but without the requirement of being drunk’: Why we’re all hot for a countryside saunaThe sauna is the latest wellness trend — especially one immersed in Nature. Lotte Brundle dips into why the pastime has been heating up.
-
'When you are blind, your physical world is only as far as your arms can reach, but with my guide dog, my world is limitless'Tubby little bundles of joy, guide-dog puppies may be irresistibly sweet, but they’ve been expertly engineered to perform life-changing duties, discovers Katy Birchall.
-
Arthur Parkinson: Ruffled feathers and a bad attitude — my guide on how to deal with broody hensA chicken's desire to sit on and hatch a clutch of eggs can be the most effortless way to rear your own birds, but for those who are after eggs and not chicks it can be a real issue.
-
'We don’t expect to catch monsters in British seas': The return of the bluefin tunaIt’s no longer necessary to venture to tropical waters in order to catch a monster tuna, says Jonathan Young, as he attempts to land a big-game fish in Falmouth Bay.
-
From 'Gerroff my land' to 'Get on my land': Farmers are keen to set the record straight with Open Farm Sunday 2025The event — which sees farmers throw open their gates to visitors — returns for its 19th year on Sunday, June 8 with hundreds of farms across Britain will be taking part.
-
Goodwoof: 'The remarkable thing is how few incidents of biting there are, from dogs and owners'Now in its 4th year, Goodwoof could be the canine Glastonbury. Charles Gordon-Lennox, the Duke of Richmond, reveals some of the secrets of its success.
