Scottish seaside villages named among most beautiful in UK

Introducing the scenic locations, the newspaper said: "There’s just something about the British seaside – we do really love to be beside it.

"Even in an era of cheap and easy flights to hot and sandy places, the idea of hanging out on the UK coast still manages to exert a strong pull. 

"Specifically, in its little villages. Spots that don’t have outskirts uglified by trading estates; that do have streets – variously wonky, steep and maze-like – that allow us to pretend it’s a previous, less-fraught century."

Portsoy in Aberdeenshire was dubbed one of the 'most beautiful' seaside villages in the UK (Image: Getty)

See the Scottish seaside villages named among the 'most beautiful' in Britain

These are the Scottish seaside villages that were named among the "most beautiful" to visit in the UK.

Portsoy, Aberdeenshire

The Telegraph said: "Portsoy’s harbour, dating to 1693, oozes sea-salty character. With its old stone walls, clear waters and winding streets, it’s often called a “Cornwall without the crowds”.

"It’s even more atmospheric during the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, held in June (stbfportsoy.org), though you can embrace Portsoy’s maritime heritage year-round at the Salmon Bothy Museum (salmonbothy.org) or boat-building workshops (portsoyboatshed.org).

"There’s a small beach by the old harbour, but better is Links Bay, around the headland, good for swimming, SUP-ing and rock-pooling. Look out for dolphins too."

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St Monans is located in Fife (Image: Getty)

St Monans, Fife

"You’re spoiled for choice on the East Neuk of Fife. A succession of charismatic villages lines this shore: Elie, St Monans, Pittenweem, Anstruther, Cellardyke, Crail.

"St Monans is perhaps least-visited, but blessed with charming pantiled buildings, a handsome harbour, a striking church, an 18th-century windmill, salt-mining heritage, a fascinating rocky shore and a ruined castle in sight.

"You’ll eat and drink well too: book Craig Millar’s Michelin-listed restaurant (16westend.com), grab succulent seafood at the East Pier Smokehouse (eastpier.co.uk), buy goodies at Ardross Farm Shop (ardrossfarm.co.uk) and sample Futtle microbrewery’s wild beers (futtle.com)."

Plockton hugs a sheltered bay on Loch Carron (Image: Getty)

Plockton, Wester Ross

"Hugging a sheltered bay on Loch Carron, Plockton is a National Trust for Scotland conservation village – and an absolute stunner.

"Here, clear waters, cute cottages, palm trees (yes, really) and looming Highlands converge. It even has a train station. The Visitor Centre gives background, from Plockton’s 19th-century beginnings to its TV location fame, plus the Historical Society holds regular talks.

"The local store is small, but stocks whisky. There’s a microbrewery too, plus pubs renowned for live music (try the Plockton Inn’s Highland Bar). Walk to lovely Coral Beach. Or venture out via kayak or seal-spotting tour (calums-sealtrips.com)."