One thing Scotland is blessed with is coastline - including islands, we have nearly 19,000 km of it to enjoy, and that includes some spectacular beaches.
These sandy stretches are perfect for walks with the family dog, offering plenty of opportunities for sea swimming. digging and stick chasing.
But which are best for our four-legged friends? That’s when new research from Verdant Leisure comes in - which has ranked Britain’s beaches according to a range of doggy-friendly criteria, including beaches that have been awarded top marks for water quality, offer the best environment for dogs to run about, have numerous dog-friendly restaurants and cafes nearby, do not have a full-year-round dog ban, and have nearby car parks.
They’ve also taken a look at online reviews to come up with the best Scotland has to offer.
Here are all 10 - and what reviewers have said about them.
5. Rosemarkie Beach
Completing the top five best beaches for dogs in Scotland is Rosemarkie, in Ross and Cromarty, with a score of 100.15. One reviewer said: "Exercise yourself and your dog on this magnificent beach especially when the tide is lower. There’s a fantastic arc of wide fine sand right around the bay from Rosemarkie to Chanonery point and it’s a lovely walk whatever the weather. On a weekend there’s the bonus of a coffee at the community run beach cafe at the Rosemarkie end of the bay." If you're lucky you can see dolphins there too. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Cullen Bay
Located just to the east of Buckie on the Moray Firth coast, Cullen Bay is well seheltered by surrounding cliffs, meaning it offers a great walk even on windy days. Its golden sand and clean waters meant it got a rating of 100.11. A typical five star review reads: "You'd never get bored walking this beach. Beautiful clean sands,clear water and stunning views. We loved it, and the dogs loved it!" | Canva/Getty Images
7. Aberdour Beach
A second entry for the beaches of Fife - this time Aberdour Beach, also known as Silver Sands, with a score of 100.08. One happy visitor said: "Our dogs swam in the clear water and played on the sand, then we all walked up the beach to have an al fresco lunch at the excellent Sands Cafe. It's a stunning beach with good facilities, there benches and tables for picnickers, public toilets and showers, good car parking, paths leading along the coast for walkers and a huge field behind the beach, everything you need for a good day out." | Canva/Getty Images
8. Kingsbarns Beach
We're staying in Fife for the joint eighth best dog friendly Scottish beach - Kingsbarns Beach, located on the wonderful Fife Coastal Path. A reviwer explained its charms, saying: "Came here to walk my daughter's dog and we both had a great time. Large open space, particularly at low tide, with rock pools to explore and climb on." It has a rating of 100.07. | Canva/Getty Images