St Andrews retained its Blue Flag status

Four beaches have secured the European Blue Flag award - one down on last year.

The successful areas are all in Fife, where Aberdour, Burntisland, Elie and St Andrews passed tests on water cleanliness and beach management.

But Nairn Central, which was awarded a Blue Flag last year, missed out after failing to meet the required standards.

Keep Scotland Beautiful, which organises the awards with the charity Encams, said the picture was looking bright for next year.

This award sends out a clear message that Fife is taking a pride in its environment and is working hard to uphold and maintain high standards of beach cleanliness Cllr Jim Brennan

The national director of Keep Scotland Beautiful, John Summers, said: "Although we're disappointed that more Scottish beaches haven't won the award, progress behind the scenes is being made and I confidently expect more to be flying flags next year.

"This news should also not detract from the fact that these four beaches have attained the continent's leading award for resorts and have put the county of Fife on the world map."

Mr Summers also paid tribute to the work which has been carried out in the area's schools to make youngsters more aware of the environment.

'Clear message'

Councillor Jim Brennan, the spokesman for Fife Council's arts and leisure department, said he was delighted that the beaches had won again.

He said: "This award sends out a clear message that Fife is taking a pride in its environment and is working hard to uphold and maintain high standards of beach cleanliness and maintenance.

We are disappointed that Nairn has lost its Blue Flag Award Scottish Executive spokesman

"Whilst the maintenance of the beaches is the responsibility of Fife Council, local communities, Scottish Water and many other of the council's partners also make an important contribution to achieving the standards set for this award."

A Scottish Executive spokesman said: "We are disappointed that Nairn has lost its Blue Flag Award.

"The 2002 bathing season was the best season for Scottish bathing waters since 1999 and we hope that our efforts in this area result in further improvements this year."

A record 105 UK beaches have been awarded a Blue Flag this year - up 22 on last year and almost twice as many as in 2000.