The Sun’s fave Scottish beaches where you can even paddleboard with dolphins

IT may not have tropical temperatures, but Scotland is home to some spellbinding beaches.

Here you can find empty, white sand and clear blue waters – perfect for everything from wild swimming to wildlife watching.

And with almost 12,000 miles of coastline spread across the mainland and numerous islands, the hardest part will be deciding which beach to visit first. 

Each beach has its own story to tell, so let us help you decide where to hone in on during your £9.50 Holiday.

We’ve asked local experts and Sun readers who have already enjoyed a £9.50 Holiday in this beautiful part of the world for their favourite beaches – here are their suggestions… 

Best for families

Sun reader Linzi Harrower, 45, from Denny in Sterlingshire, stayed at Park Holidays UK Silver Sands, near Lossiemouth on Scotland’s east coast.

She said: “The beach in front of the holiday park is incredible. It’s enormous and absolutely stunning.

My kids (aged nine and 12) were entertained all day with building sandcastles and picnics.

“A highlight from our holiday was toasting marshmallows on the beach with a disposable barbecue.” 

Meanwhile on the west coast of Scotland, less than six miles from Sundrum Castle Holiday Park, Ayr Beach is also a firm favourite with families.

The Scottish Sun Travel Editor Heather Lowrie says: “Ayr beach has attractions, a big swing park and Pirate Petes for kids.”

She added: “There are so many beaches close by – Maidens, Croy Shore, Troon and Irvine to name a few.” 

Families heading to Sandylands, a little further north, can make the most of a new deck chair hire station at Saltcoats Beach.

Morvyn Cattanach, General Manager at Sandylands Holiday Park, says: “From Sandylands, you can walk all the way along the coast to Irvine Beach, which has a harbour with loads of nice eating places.”

Try GRO for a child-friendly meal, or simply relax on the sand with a picnic. 

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For empty beaches

If you’re after empty sand instead of crowds, you’re likely to find it by the coast in the Highlands.

Nairn has miles of lovely unspoilt beaches, including East Beach, Central Beach and Whiteness Beach, which is nicknamed “The Secret Beach” due to it being sheltered and peaceful (tip: it’s only accessible at low tide, so don’t get caught out by the tides).

Sun reader David James, from Port Talbot, stayed at Parkdean Resorts Nairn Lochloy. 

The 72-year-old said: “East Beach in Nairn is clean and tidy. It’s not commercialised at all, which is very pleasant.”

Sun reader Patricia Sherwood, 77, from Halifax in West Yorkshire, stayed at Parkdean Resorts Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame, Sutherland.

She said: “It’s remote up here, so you need to be self-sufficient if you’re heading off site, but the beach is incredible – and you’ll probably have it to yourself.

“The best sand is at Embo Beach, which stretches for miles and is good for families, with shallow water that is safe for children.

“It’s also good for mum and dad’s pockets as there are no big shops or ice cream stalls! Scotland is one of my favourite places.

“From Sutherland, you can drive to John O’Groats and take a ferry to Orkney Islands for a day trip (summer only).”

Meanwhile, the Isle of Arran can be a day trip from Ayrshire.

Morvyn Cattanach, General Manager at Sandylands Holiday Park, recommends checking ferry timetables before you travel and pre-booking your car.

She said: “There’s also a bus that goes round the island if you want to go car-free.”

All of Arran’s beaches are on the bus routes – they include Lamlash with its sandy coves and shallow waters and – if you’re feeling brave – Cleats Shore, the island’s very own nudist beach. 

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Best freshwater beaches

Christopher Hill, Administration Manager at Tummel Valley Holiday Park, tells holidaymakers to head to Loch Morlich for a beach day with a difference.

“It’s the highest beach in Britain,” he says.

Lying 318 metres above sea level, the sandy beach surrounding this beautiful lake is perfect for families wanting to play games in the sand.

Or for active beachgoers wanting to try windsurfing and canoeing, equipment rental and lessons are available from Loch Morlich Watersports.

There are also hiking trails around the loch.

Christopher added: “You also have a sandy beach where you can go swimming, canoeing and paddle boarding at Loch Tay. Loch Rannoch is much quieter, with Forestry Commission walks.”  

Best beaches for wildlife spotting 

If you’re feeling active and have a passion for wildlife, Narin Beach and Lossiemouth in the Highlands delivers.

Look out for dolphins in the Moray Firth. Heather Lowrie says: “At the town’s East Beach go paddleboarding and, if you are lucky, spot bottlenose dolphins and whales.”

New Wave Surf School hires paddleboards for £25 for a half day, or you can book a lesson to master the basics. 

Meanwhile you might also spot seals on the beach or a pod of dolphins swimming in the Firth of Clyde at Wemyss Bay.

Nearby, the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park is home to one of the UK’s rarest birds of prey, the hen harrier.

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Dog-friendly beaches

If you’re taking your furry friend along for the ride, Scotland’s coast has you covered.

There are numerous beaches that are dog-friendly all year round, so your hound can run off steam before you head back to your holiday park.

Saltcoats is easily reached from Sandylands Holiday Park and features soft sand and incredible views of the Isle of Arran across the firth.

You’ve also got dog-friendly cafes like GRO and Doon The Beach, which sell dog treats, when you need to break for a cuppa – or a “puppuccino”.

Other beaches that allow dogs (and are close to £9.50 Holiday parks) include Ayr Beach, Wemyss Bay and Nairn Beach.