Edinburgh Castle, Scotland’s number one tourist attraction, welcomed 205,832 visitors to the Castle in August this year, making it the highest number of paying visitors to the Castle in a month since records began. This is an eight per cent increase in comparison with August 2010.
The 8th of August 2011 recorded the highest ever number of visitors to the Castle in a day with 8,232 visitors, which is up on last month’s record of 8,128 on 19th July 2011.
The previous record for the number of visitors in a month was also in July with 203,940 visitors.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs said: “Edinburgh Castle is a global icon and continues to fascinate and attract people from all around the world. The increase in visitor numbers is really encouraging and highlights the important role Scotland’s history and heritage plays in Scotland’s economy.
“No city in the world can compare with Edinburgh in August with the added attractions of the Festival, Fringe and Fireworks, however Edinburgh is a city with so much to offer in terms of cultural activity that it is an ideal year round destination.”
Nick Finnigan, Executive Manager, Edinburgh Castle said: “I am delighted that we have had the best ever August in terms of visitor figures. Our aim is to continue to improve the visitor experience at the castle and continue to draw visitors from around the world.”
Edinburgh Castle has also been short-listed for the British Travel Awards best UK Heritage Attraction – people can vote for Edinburgh Castle online at the Historic Scotland website, www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk until 30th September.
