SCOTLAND is home to hundreds of beautiful towns and villages with many of these being situated on the coast.
From quaint fishing villages to ancient towns, there is something out there for everyone.
If you're looking to explore Scotland this autumn, here are some of the prettiest seaside towns anywhere in the country.
See the prettiest seaside towns you can visit in Scotland this autumn
Portsoy, Aberdeenshire
Portsoy was recently praised as one of the "most beautiful" seaside towns in the UK by The Telegraph.
Highlighting its strengths, the newspaper 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'."
The publication added: "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."
Plockton, Wester Ross
Plockton in the Highlands of Scotland was established as a fishing village but has since grown to become a popular spot for visitors.
The small settlement is rather unique for the North of Scotland in that it has a "sub-tropical appearance".
St Andrews, Fife
No list would be complete without the inclusion of St Andrews with some 4700 people surveyed by Which? agreeing, giving it a visitor score of 82%.
The consumer watchdog described the Fife location as a "wonderfully scenic" spot with people coming here all year round to take in the sights of the ancient university and castle ruins.
North Berwick, East Lothian
The Times newspaper listed North Berwick alongside other spots like Portobello as one of the best places to live by the sea in the UK.
The newspaper commended the town's "brilliant high street packed with independent shops" and "great beaches".
Its proximity to Edinburgh was also marked as a bonus with a train journey to and from the Scottish capital taking half an hour.
Recommended Reading:
Why these Scottish spots are among the 'loveliest' for an autumn holiday
‘Beautiful’ Scottish train journey named one of Europe's most scenic
Nairn, Highlands
According to Visit Scotland, Nairn is "blessed with three beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and two championship golf courses."
It is also one of the sunniest and driest places in Scotland, making it a popular family holiday no matter the season.
A visit to the town may be jam-packed with extraordinary surprises with many coming here to make the most of wildlife-watching opportunities.
This is said to include awesome sightings of dolphins, minke whales, seals and some remarkable birdlife.
Portree, Isle of Skye
Portree on the Isle of Skye has been described as a "busting port" and "thriving cultural centre" for many years now.
Its iconic seafront featuring a range of colourful homes is well-known with people coming here from all over to visit the Aros Centre and take in the rugged beauty surrounding the settlement.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here