19 spectacular beaches in Scotland

It doesn’t take long to understand the heartstring-plucking potential of Scotland in the sun. This is a land of beach-wreathed islands and blasted-looking skerries, with powder blue waters for wild swimming in wetsuits, secret coves to explore by snorkel, SUP or kayak, and sandy atolls that are an antidote to the stresses of modern life. What’s more, there are hundreds of these travel wish list wonders to discover and each one has its own story to tell. Besides, no matter where you travel on the coast, there is always the possibility that a new favourite might unexpectedly reveal itself when you least expect it.