IRVINE Beach has been named one of the best in Scotland for the second year in a row.

It is one of 52 beaches around Scotland to win recognition from environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful - and the only one in North Ayrshire.

Six beaches in neighbouring South Ayrshire - Ayr, Prestwick, Girvan, Troon South Beach, Barassie and Maidens - also made the Scotland Beach Awards list.

Councillor Tony Gurney, North Ayrshire Council's cabinet member for place, said: “I am delighted, on behalf of the council’s hardworking Streetscene team, that Irvine Beach has won a Keep Scotland Beautiful award in recognition of its great condition.

“Looking after Irvine beach is a real example of a great partnership with the local community and dedicated volunteers.

"The council’s Streetscene team works closely with Irvine Clean Up Crew, and we would like to thank them for all their efforts in organising community litter picks, encouraging the public to use the bins provided and reminding visitors to leave this lovely beach in good condition.

“People come to Irvine beach from far and wide and, along with local residents, enjoy the views of Arran and the chance to spend some quality time with friends and family in a beautiful setting.”

Jamie Ormiston, awards officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful said, “Scotland's Beach Awards are the benchmark for quality, celebrating clean, well-managed and sustainable beaches.

"Our award-winning beaches demonstrate excellent beach management and we hope that all who visit this year play their part in keeping them beautiful. 

"I’d like to thank all those in North Ayrshire who do so much to protect, maintain and enhance our beaches, protecting the sand and sea for us all to enjoy."

In order to achieve a Scotland’s Beach Award, a range of criteria must be met, including beach safety, access and facilities, and cleanliness.

Focusing on local environmental quality, the award is designed to complement the work undertaken by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on bathing water quality.  

A map showing all the award-winning beaches with directions, facilities and images can be found at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/beach.