Beach awards

FIVE of Shetland’s favourite sandy beaches have once again received awards from the environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful.

The 2013 Scottish Seaside Awards have been retained by Sands of Breckon and West Sandwick on Yell, Tresta on Fetlar and St Ninian’s Isle and West Voe in the south mainland.

St Ninian’s has held the award since 2007, while West Sandwick joined the list in 2011; the other three were chosen in 2008.

The beaches are amongst 59 throughout Scotland to receive the award, though there has been a decline in the number of beaches to achieve the interntaionally recognised Blue Flag from seven to three.

Shetland Islands Council’s environment and transport committee chairman Allan Wishart thanked local communities for their efforts maintaining the beaches.

The awards recognise water quality, safety, cleanliness, information provision and management. A list of all the award winning beaches can be found here.