SIX of Fife’s beaches have been granted the prestigious International Blue Flag award.

A ceremony was held today (Friday 6 July) at Silver Sands Beach, Aberdour where the flags were handed over to the Depute Provost of Fife, Councillor Kay Morrison, who was delighted thatyet again Fife has achieved 6 Blue Flag awards as well as 6 Seaside and 2 Resort Seaside awards in 2012.

The Blue Flags will be proudly flying until 31 August. This means people using the beaches can be assured of the highest possible water quality and excellent facilities; including the presence of lifeguards, first aid, access for the disabled and regular cleaning.

Depute Provost, Councillor Kay Morrison said: “It gave me great pleasure to accept the award on behalf of Fife Council.  For many centuries, our coastline has made important contributions to the quality of life in our local communities and is now a key component for the local tourist industry.

“To win so many awards requires a great deal of dedicated hard work by many people and these accolades represent a marvellous achievement by our local communities and council services.”

Councillor Bobby Clelland, Chair of South West Fife Area Committee, added his congratulations: “This is a terrific achievement and fantastic that Fife continues to lead the way in winning these awards.

“There are some really innovative pieces of work happening along Fife’s coast that all contribute to delivering award winning beaches year after year.

“Community groups are tireless in their efforts to help maintain their local beaches.

“Campaigns including the beaches pledge, green dog walkers and ‘bag it and bin it’ have encouraged Fifers to commit to being responsible with litter when visiting the coast.”

Derek Robertson, Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Chief Executive, said:  “With an increasing number of people choosing to take their holidays at home in Scotland, there has never been a better time to enjoy your local Fife beaches.   The Seaside and Blue Flag Awards highlight that these beaches are an important resource to the local economy and that they are your beaches to enjoy.

“I am delighted that Fife has achieved six Blue Flags this year – these beaches join Blue Flag beaches from 46 countries across the world – and I would like to pay tribute to all the hard work that goes in to achieving and keeping these awards by Fife Council and the local communities.  I would encourage everyone, particularly in this economic climate, to make use of the fantastic Fife beaches this summer.”

The award-winning Blue Flag beaches now proudly flying their flag are:

• Aberdour Silver Sands
• Burntisland
• Elie Harbour
• Elie Woodhaven (Ruby Bay)
• Kinghorn Pettycur Bay
• Leven East

Those flying a SeasideAward flag this year are:

• Aberdour Black Sands
• Anstruther Billowness
• Crail Roome Bay
• Kinghorn Harbour
• Kingsbarns Beach
• Kirkcaldy Seafield

And a Resort Seaside Award:

• St Andrews East Sands
• St Andrews West Sands