AN EAST Lothian beach likened to beaches in the Mediterranean has scooped a top award.

The Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beaches guide picked out Gullane as being Scotland’s best.

The guide, now in its 16th year, visits stretches of sand, shingle and rock the length and breadth of the country.

Throughout the UK, more than 540 beaches were visited before being compiled into a top 50.

Describing Gullane, the guide reads: “In fine weather, this mile-and-a-half curve of flat, golden, west-facing sand could be in the Aegean, or hidden away on the Datca peninsula in Turkey: a place to fall asleep after a decent lunch ― more of which follows ― to the whisper of the waves.

“Cross the Hummell Rocks at the west end, and you emerge on the vast sands of Aberlady Bay, from where you might see the wrecks of two submarines at low tide.

“For that lunch, head down the A198 to Longniddry Bents and order the spicy haddock taco and chips from the Alandas food truck in the car park (£13; alandas.co.uk).

“The view of the Edinburgh skyline and the Fife coast is fabulous.”

Just six beaches from across Scotland made it into the top 50.

Balmedie, Aberdeenshire; Findhorn, Moray; Achmelvich, Highlands; Mellon Udrigle, Highlands; and Sanna, Highlands, join Gullane on the list.