Do you have a link to the statement from the forestry commission and police about kinshaldy? I have heard that it is still used regularly by naturists both at the north and south end.

Aberlady outside Edinburgh is a good beach, although not official it seems textiles tolerate naturists using the beach. Having said that any time I've visited I've stuck to the dunes, although I managed a short walk and a paddle between textiles!

Hi Naked_Archer

FC / Police statement below, I note that it was released in 2010, but an article in the Daily Record earlier this year listed Tentsmuir / Kinshaldy as being suitable for naturism, so mixed messages, but short of emailling the police, (and I did consider it), I don't know how to confirm whether this is or isnt acceptable for CO use?

I didnt go anywhere today due to torrential rain and high winds, although it might have been nicer in the east, maybe tomorrow?

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/newsrele.nsf/webpressreleases/2fafd3c9096805388025773e004886a6

If you don't mind a short ferry ride, Cleat's Shore on the Isle of Arran is, I believe the only official naturist beach in Scotland. Arran is beautiful in any event (if the weather isn't too good then there's a pub/hotel close to the beach - the Lagg Hotel, & the Kinloch Hotel, a favourite spot of ours, maybe 15 minutes away at Blackwaterfoot.

Head left off the ferry & follow the ring road & Cleat's Shore is down a track pretty much at the southernmost point of Arran, close to Lagg. The actual beach is signposted albeit with no indication it's naturist. You can either park on the main road & walk (c. 10-15 mins) or drive down. Last time we were there you had to unfasten a farmer's gate & then you could more or less park on the beach. It's a beautiful spot looking towards Ailsa Craig & Ayrshire & N. Ireland in the distance.

Hi Naked_Archer

FC / Police statement below, I note that it was released in 2010, but an article in the Daily Record earlier this year listed Tentsmuir / Kinshaldy as being suitable for naturism, so mixed messages, but short of emailling the police, (and I did consider it), I don't know how to confirm whether this is or isnt acceptable for CO use?

I didnt go anywhere today due to torrential rain and high winds, although it might have been nicer in the east, maybe tomorrow?

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/newsrele.nsf/webpressreleases/2fafd3c9096805388025773e004886a6

I suspect that if you contacted the police, they would just follow the official line that the beach has not been officially designated for naturism. 

And would the forestry commission ranger have the legal power to arrest?

Anyway the BN Public Place Naturism in Scotland guide may be of interest:  http://www.bn.org.uk/community/files/file/738-public-place-naturism-scotland/

In anycase, I think as long as you are discrete, and travel a good way south of Kinshaldy, it should be less of a risk than if you disrobed nearer the central car park area in the forest.

I visited Arran in August 2016 as part of my annual holiday there and went to Cleats Shore.  Minushabens directions are spot-on but I would think twice about driving down unless you have a vehicle with a high wheel base.  I drove down in a Qashqai and it was not straight forward.

From the turn off, it is approx 400 metres along a single track to a metal gate that you need to open and close.  The track swings round to the right and on the left, you will see fields that are normally occupied by cows and sheep.

The track opens out and swings left passing some farm buildings (not clear if they are in use) and reaches the beach. You are unable to be seen from the road but you can expect walkers, some with dogs, to pass by, as they walk north up the coast from Lagg.

The beach was empty and I did not stay as it was not inviting and the weather was dull and cloudy.  Many years ago, I visited the beach and was the only person there apart from my wife who stayed clothed while I had a nude swim.

There are plenty walks around the Arran coast where you will reach a place  for nude sunbathing but there is always the risk that walkers may pass by even in isolated areas.

I visited Arran in August 2016 as part of my annual holiday there and went to Cleats Shore.  Minushabens directions are spot-on but I would think twice about driving down unless you have a vehicle with a high wheel base.  I drove down in a Qashqai and it was not straight forward.

From the turn off, it is approx 400 metres along a single track to a metal gate that you need to open and close.  The track swings round to the right and on the left, you will see fields that are normally occupied by cows and sheep.

The track opens out and swings left passing some farm buildings (not clear if they are in use) and reaches the beach. You are unable to be seen from the road but you can expect walkers, some with dogs, to pass by, as they walk north up the coast from Lagg.

The beach was empty and I did not stay as it was not inviting and the weather was dull and cloudy.  Many years ago, I visited the beach and was the only person there apart from my wife who stayed clothed while I had a nude swim.

There are plenty walks around the Arran coast where you will reach a place  for nude sunbathing but there is always the risk that walkers may pass by even in isolated areas.

Yes you are right about the track; I had a 4-wheel drive most of the times I ever drove down & it was tricky. There are very few visitors, naturist or otherwise, but a few make it & on a good day it's worth the effort.

We use KinshaldyTentsmuir many times a year and have never seen a ranger or police there. Used to go to the North end but it's a good 45 min walk to get to where you need to be. The south end is an easier 20 min walk so we now use that end instead. Loads of places in the dunes to sunbathe and long stretches of beach to walk and swim when no ones about. Usually get dog walkers, a horse or 3, a few others walking the beach but you can be quite well hidden in the dunes if you want to be. One of my favourite places to be and only 20 mins drive from home
Often a lot of single guys, a couple or two and the odd meerkat. No different from other beaches. There is a bit of gay cruising as well but they kind of know who to approach and leave the genuine naturists alone.

Hi Robt51

Firstly, welcome to NC, and its good to see more Scots appearing on here.

I chickened out of going to Kinshaldy last month after reading that article from the Forestry Commision and not getting any replies in time to allay my fears however from what you have said, it doesnt sound like I have anything to worry about and this gives me something to look forward to for next summer

Thanks, and again, Welcome
Paul

If anyone is still looking for Scottish CO beaches I really recommend Ardeer beach. It has been an official CO beach since the 70s and is quite busy on a sunny day.( the 3 or so we get each year). You do get the odd dog walker but no need to cover up, They're used to it

Only just got down to this chat, which seems to answer a query I raised some minutes ago under the heading "Scotland".