14 Fife beaches have been given the coveted Seaside Award by the country’s leading charity for the environment, Keep Scotland Beautiful.  Six will also now be able to fly the internationally-acclaimed Blue Flag.  Both awards, given annually, recognise high standards of cleanliness, safety,

Proudly flying the Blue Flag in Fife this year will be Aberdour Silver Sands (has consistently flown the flag since 1998), Burntisland (since 2001), Elie Harbour Beach (a re-entry), Elie Ruby Bay (since 2009), Kinghorn (Pettycur) – a new entry, and Leven (since 2010).  The only other beaches in Scotland to fly a Blue Flag this year are Coldingham in the Scottish Borders and Broughty Ferry in Dundee.  These six beaches have also been awarded with the Resort Seaside Award, along with St Andrews West Sands (has consistently flown the Seaside Award flag since 1993)and St Andrews East Sands (since 2001).  Flying the Rural Seaside Award flag this year will be Aberdour Black Sands (since 2009), Billowness – Anstruther (a re-entry),Crail Roome Bay (since 1999),Kinghorn Harbour (since 2009), Kingsbarns (since 2003), and Kirkcaldy Seafield (since 2008).

Derek Robertson, Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Chief Executive, said: “With an increasing number of people choosing to take their holidays at home in Scotland, there has never been a better time to enjoy your local Fife beaches.   The Seaside & Blue Flag Awards highlight that these beaches are an important resource to the local economy and that they are your beaches to enjoy.

“There is something for everyone amongst this year’s winners - from large beaches with lifeguarded swimming areas and bustling promenades, to secluded bays which are havens for wildlife, and windswept beaches perfect for wind & kite surfing.”

He added: “I am delighted that Fife has achieved six Blue Flags this year – these beaches join Blue Flag beaches from 46 countries across the world.

“Over the last 12 years the number of Seaside Awards in Scotland has more than quadrupled, there were just 13 in 2000, so Iwould like to pay tribute to all the hard work that goes in to achieving and keeping these awards by Fife Council and the local communities, and I would encourage everyone, particularly in this economic climate, to make use of the fantastic beaches we have around the Scottish coast this summer”.

Grant Ward, Head of Leisure & Cultural Services at Fife Council said: "We are delighted to achieved 6 Blue Flag awards for this summer's bathing season.  It's good to see a Blue Flag first for Kinghorn, Pettycur Bay and that Elie Harbour has had its flag reinstated.

"The coastal communities across Fife are very involved in helping Fife Council and it's key partners, such as Fife Coast & Countryside Trust, in maintaining these high standards.  This great result for Fife is testament to the good work that these volunteers do.

Amanda McFarlane, Chief Executive of Fife Coast & Countryside Trust added: "Fife's coast is a popular visitor attraction and this accolade is a welcome reassurance for people visiting these beaches that they are of the highest standard.  With the recent extension of Fife's coastal path, there has never been a better time to visit Fife's award winning coastline.  The Path, which is Scotland's longest, now stretches 117 miles from Kincardine Bridge to Newburgh."

A map showing all the award winning beaches with descriptions, directions, facilities and pictures can be found at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/coastal, along with an option for people to rate their favourite award beaches.