Beautiful Scottish beaches named among the best in the UK

Introducing the ranking, Time Out said: "No matter the time of year, the UK’s beaches are amongst the finest attractions this country has to offer, but it’s in the summertime that they really come into their own.

"Fresh coastal air, soft sand between your toes, thunderously crashing waves and balmy weather? Well, maybe the weather bit is a little ambitious, but if all those come together life simply doesn’t get any better.

"The UK is home to dozens of drop-dead gorgeous beaches primed for you to explore. From vast, sandy crowd-pleasers conveniently located near pretty seaside towns to hidden coves with extremely clear sea water accessible only by boat or hike, these islands have it all."

Camusdarach Beach was named the best in the UK (Image: Getty)

Four Scottish beaches named among the most beautiful in the UK

Camusdarach Beach in the Highlands, Footdee Beach in Aberdeen and Scarista and Luskentyre Beaches on the Isle of Harris were the Scottish spots named on the Time Out list.

Camusdarach Beach was dubbed the best in the UK and was praised for its "windswept bliss" and "tranquil" surroundings.

Writing for the publication, Chiara Wilkinson said: "I might be biased because I’m born and raised Scottish, but you really can’t do much better than Camusdarach.

"This rugged coastline boasts one of the cleanest beaches on the western coast, with a crescent of pillow-soft white sand hugged by clear-blue waters and framed by dramatic, jagged rocks.

"Sure, there’s not a lot in the way of facilities, but the nearby town of Morar (an eight-minute drive) offers home comforts in the way of cafés, restaurants and hotels.

"Drive a little further north to Mallaig where The Jacobite steam train (as seen in the Harry Potter movies) calls by. Have a meal in the old dining cars or even stay over in the restored carriages."

At number 14 on the list was Scarista Beach on the Isle of Harris which was dubbed "one of the most dazzling beaches" in the region.

The magazine said: "One of the most dazzling beaches in the Hebrides, even on a cloudy day Scarista Beach is breathtaking – visit in the sunshine and you’ll struggle to pull yourself away from the sugary-soft sand and inviting water.

"Despite its remote location, there are some top foodie trips nearby. Pop into Scarista House, the Georgian manor set on the edge of the sand for a fancy afternoon tea, or drive ten minutes south to The Temple Café, a cute, hand-built stone-and-timber café with a counter full of tempting cakes."

Luskentyre Beach was praised for its 'bright-white sands' (Image: Getty)

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Luskentyre Beach, also on the Isle of Harris, was placed 29th on the list.

Time Out said: "Go out of season to Luskentyre and you might be lucky enough to have miles of bright-white sand all to yourself.

"Just a short drive north of Scarista, this is one of Harris’s biggest beaches, and visitors come here to unwind on deserted shores between the blue sky and turquoise water."

The last of the Scottish spots named was Footdee Beach in Aberdeen.

Discussing the city spot, the publication said: "This wide sandy beach offers a quintessential seaside experience, while also being just half a mile from the conveniences of Aberdeen city centre.

"As you’d expect, it often feels pretty busy; cyclists and skaters frequent the promenade and water sports enthusiasts often hit the waves.

"You’ll find an amusement park, leisure park and retail park on the seafront, while further inland there’s the Aberdeen Maritime Museum."