The nine Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire beaches among Scotland's 50 cleanest

It's been a long time coming, but summer has finally arrived in Scotland with warmer temperatures blessing the north-east in recent weeks.

And more warm weather could be on the way, with some forecasters suggesting a 'Saharan plume' is heading towards Britain in the coming days.

With warm weather arriving from Africa, temperatures are expected to rise with Saturday looking particularly warm for parts of Scotland.

READ MORE: Aberdeenshire man launches ambitious fundraiser to summit Everest and walk coast-to-coast in wellies

READ MORE: Baby Reindeer's real life Martha slams nightclub over claims she was booked for personal appearance

The mercury could reach the mid 20s in western areas although it certainly won't be cold elsewhere, writes the Scottish Daily Express.

And what better way to celebrate the warm weather than a trip the beach? Thankfully, Scots have plenty of options with popular spots and hidden gems aplenty to choose from.

One thing you want to ensure when heading for the seaside is that your chosen beach will be clean. Thankfully, you can check ahead with our handy guide of the 50 (well, 52) cleanest beaches in the country.

These were the coastal areas that picked up Keep Scotland Beautiful awards in 2023 for their pristine condition. There is a good mix from across the country with the focus on popular, well-used facilities.

The north-east has plenty of impressive coastal areas, and it was no surprise to see them feature heavily, with nine beaches in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire included.

There are plenty more secret beaches in the Highlands and islands as well that boast crystal clear waters and golden sand. But if you want good transport links and facilities nearby, these 52 will be right up your street.

Cleanest beaches in Scotland

1. Aberdeen Ballroom Beach, Aberdeen

2. Balmedie, Aberdeenshire

3. Collieston, Aberdeenshire

4. Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire

5. Fraserburgh Waters of Philorth, Aberdeenshire

6. Peterhead Lido, Aberdeenshire

7. Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire

8. Fraserburgh Tigerhill, Aberdeenshire

9. Inverboyndie, Aberdeenshire

10. Lunan Bay, Angus

11. Montrose Seafront, Angus

12. Arbroath, Angus

13. Carnoustie, Angus

14. Monifieth, Angus

15. East Haven, Angus

16. Broughty Ferry, Dundee

17. Dunbar East Beach, East Lothian

18. Gullane Bents, East Lothian

19. Belhaven Bay, Dunbar, East Lothian

20. Longniddry Bents, Gosford, East Lothian

21. North Berwick Milsey Bay, East Lothian

22. North Berwick West Beach, East Lothian

23. Yellowcraig, East Lothian

24. Longniddry Bents, East Lothian

25. Elie Harbour Beach, Fife

26. St Andrews West Sands, Fife

27. Leven, Fife

28. Burntisland, Fife

29. St Andrews East Sands, Fife

30. Aberdour Silver Sands, Fife

31. Aberdour Black Sands, Fife

32. Crail Roome Bay, Fife

33. Kingsbarns, Fife

34. Elie Ruby Bay, Fife

35. Billowness, Anstruther, Fife

36. Kinghorn (Pettycur), Fife

37. Kirkcaldy Seafield, Fife

38. Kirkcaldy Pathhead Sands, Fife

39. Loch Morlich, Highland

40. Brora Beach, Highland

41. Sango Sands, Highland

42. Dornoch Beach, Highland

43. Nairn Central, Highland

44. Irvine Beach, North Ayrshire

45. Coldingham, Scottish Borders

46. West Sandwick, Shetland

47. Maidens, South Ayrshire

48. Ayr Beach, South Ayrshire

49. Prestwick, South Ayrshire

50. Girvan, South Ayrshire

51. Troon (South Beach), South Ayrshire

52. Barassie Beach, South Ayrshire