Editors at travel bible Lonely Planet have published their top 18 beaches of Scotland with their selection spanning every corner of the country.
From Shetland to Lewis and the Borders to the West Highlands, the list contains some popular choices and some lesser-known gems.
Flick through their selection and transport yourself down to the shore for some rejuvenating coastal time.
. To the right is the Sands of Rerwick beach. Colsay Island is offshore to the centre left and if you look closely, you can see seals in the water just offshore.
The Bay of Scousburgh in the Shetland Isles has been named as one of Scotland's best beaches by Lonely Planet editors. PIC: Joe de Sousa. Photo: Joe de Sousa
. Tressness and Cata Sands, Sanday, Orkney
Sanday is ringed by Orkney’s best beaches that are lined with dazzling white sands. It's a peaceful, green, pastoral landscape with the sea revealed at every turn. Photo: Chris Downer /geograph.org
. Sandwood Bay, Kinlochleven
South of Cape Wrath, this isolated beach is guarded at one end by the spectacular rock pinnacle Am Buachaille. A 9-mile round-trip hike from Blairmore car park, northwest of Kinlochbervie, will bring you to this coastal jewel. Photo: Brian Gillman/CC
. Aberdeen Beach
This two-mile sweep of clean, golden sand stretches between the mouths of the Rivers Dee and Don. On the Esplanade, you'll find a traditional seaside feel and the Codona's funfair. Photo: Nick Bramhall/Flickr
. Kiloran Bay, Colonsay
There are many beautiful beaches on Colonsay but Kiloran Bay in the northwest, a stretch of dark golden sand, is outstanding. It's also the ideal vantage point for stunning sunsets. As well as natural attractions, there's a gin distillery and a brewery to visit on the island. Photo: Bernard Lepretre/ CC
. Luskentyre, Isle of Harris
Blinding white sands, turquoise waters and a deserted feel make Luskentyre and neighbouring Scarasta among the finest in the country - if not the world. PIC: Shutterstock Photo: Shutterstock
. Bosta Beach, Great Bernera
Great Bernera is connected to Lewis by a bridge. On a sunny day, head to the northern tip for a picnic at the perfect little sandy beach of Bosta. If you fancy treading lightly by foot, there’s a signposted 5-mile coastal walk from Breacleit, the island's only village. Photo: Irenic Rhonda /Flickr
1. Tressness and Cata Sands, Sanday, Orkney
Sanday is ringed by Orkney’s best beaches that are lined with dazzling white sands. It's a peaceful, green, pastoral landscape with the sea revealed at every turn. Photo: Chris Downer /geograph.org
2. Sandwood Bay, Kinlochleven
South of Cape Wrath, this isolated beach is guarded at one end by the spectacular rock pinnacle Am Buachaille. A 9-mile round-trip hike from Blairmore car park, northwest of Kinlochbervie, will bring you to this coastal jewel. Photo: Brian Gillman/CC
3. Aberdeen Beach
This two-mile sweep of clean, golden sand stretches between the mouths of the Rivers Dee and Don. On the Esplanade, you'll find a traditional seaside feel and the Codona's funfair. Photo: Nick Bramhall/Flickr
4. Kiloran Bay, Colonsay
There are many beautiful beaches on Colonsay but Kiloran Bay in the northwest, a stretch of dark golden sand, is outstanding. It's also the ideal vantage point for stunning sunsets. As well as natural attractions, there's a gin distillery and a brewery to visit on the island. Photo: Bernard Lepretre/ CC