The number of Scottish beaches recommended for bathing has risen to the highest level in almost three decades.
More than 50 sites north of the border are praised in the annual report of the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), which is unveiled today.
Researchers found 54 out of 95 beaches tested in Scotland had excellent water quality – 12 more than last year. And despite the region having more rainfall than the rest of the UK, all monitored beaches achieved at least minimum bathing water standards.
Both Aberdeen and Balmedie beaches improved their grading from last year – and were awarded the top rating from the society.
Four other Aberdeenshire sites – Collieston, Peterhead Lido, Fraserburgh Philorth and Rosehearty – also achieved the highest ranking. Beaches at Stonehaven, and Cruden Bay failed to hit the top grade, but were deemed to have reached the minimum standard required.
In addition, the beaches at Rosemarkie, Shandwick Bay Sango Sands and Strathy Bay all maintained their recommended grading achieved last year.
However, standards have fallen at Inverboyndie and Cullen Bay where the MCS rating was down from recommended last year to mandatory this year.
The overall results show the highest number of Scottish beaches recommended for excellent water quality in 27 years.
MCS Scotland programme manager Calum Duncan said he hoped the figures would help boost Scottish tourism after water quality was hit by a string of wet summers.
Downpours in recent years have caused sewers to overflow and surface water containing farm effluent and run-off from city streets to pollute beaches.
“It is great news that for the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup year we are able to recommend more beaches than ever, showing just how good water quality at Scotland’s beaches can be,” he said.
“The main challenge now is maintaining these standards, whatever the weather. Most people don’t realise what a big impact the weather can have on bathing water quality, but this has really been highlighted in the last few years.”
The new Good Beach Guide ratings relate to tests carried out last year.