Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 27 on 09/06/2006.

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Oh I do like to be beside The Seaside

Which is why – in the interests of research – Gilly Pickup packs her bucket, spade and kiss-me-quick hat to find a few of Scotland’s best beaches

West Sands Beach, St Andrews, Fife Stunning two mile swathe of immaculately clean, firm sand with a backdrop of medieval towers – what a cracking place to enjoy a dose of bracingly wholesome, fresh-as-it-comes air!

The water quality is approved by the Good Beach Guide and there are a host of seaside activities for you to get stuck into.

Jogging and crazy golf are popular while the aquatically inclined can enjoy an invigorating swim, sail, surf or windsurf.

Keep in mind though, the possibility of strong off-shore winds coming from the North Sea.

This award-winning beach is zoned to keep sand yachts and families separate and has a children’s area with regular sand castle building competitions as well as entertainers who make merry during the summer months. It is adjacent to the world famous golf course near the town centre, and is a popular base for sports such as mountain boarding, kite flying and parakarting.

Lunan Bay, Angus Stand on the hilltop at the mouth of Lunan Water and look down over the semicircular sweep of Lunan Bay – the view is guaranteed to take your breath away.

The beach is a source of sea-shells and gemstones; particularly agates and jasper usually found in pebbly areas of sand after a storm. Looming protectively over the bay from its grassy bluff is the atmospheric gaunt ruin of Red Castle, one time temporary home of Robert the Bruce.

Wooded areas around the castle bristle with proud Scots fir trees and you’ll be dazzled by the sight of fields bursti.....

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By Gilly Pickup

Section : Scottish Beaches

Page number : 67