Moray sites are among those seeing increased footfall in visitor numbers
Elgin Cathedral reports tourist numbers up almost a quarter
Heritage attractions across Moray are among those celebrating a surge in footfall as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announce visitor figures for 2017-18.
Elgin Cathedral – known as the ‘Lantern of the North’ - recorded a 24% increase in footfall, welcoming almost 40,000 visitors.
Other sites in the area that have also had an impressive showing include distillery Dallas Dhu, which saw a 22% increase, while Balvenie Castle and Spynie Palace also experienced marked surges in footfall, of 35% and 27% respectively.
More than five million people visited HES managed Historic Scotland attractions across the country during the period - up 17% from 2016-17.
The surge in numbers at sites across the length and breadth of the country is being attributed to growth in UK, European and overseas visitors, with a significant increase in Scots visiting sites partly due to a strong membership base of over 194,000.
Speaking to MFR News following the record-breaking year, Stephen Duncan, Director of Commercial and Tourism at HES, said: “The good exchange rate (for tourists) may be one factor, but a great number of people here are getting out there and celebrating their own heritage"
“It is an incredible achievement to celebrate record-breaking figures across our sites. This growing interest in Scotland’s historic environment with visitors enjoying our rich cultural country looks set to continue"
"In the Highlands Urquhart Castle and Fort George have also seen some astounding results - 22% and 24% up respectively"
"Particularly in the north, we've hard-working, dedicated teams, based at both Fort George and Elgin Cathedral, we've just announced our investment plan for the year ahead"
This sets out the programme to enhance the condition of sites and improve the experience of visitors, scheduled to run until 2021/22. Significant investment in 2017/18 has seen the upgrade of visitor facilities such as heating, toilets and lighting systems at a number of properties across the HES estate.
As part of Year of Young People 2018, HES will also be widening access to its properties with a special entry offer for Young Scot card-holders. In partnership with Young Scot, alongside National Trust for Scotland and Historic Houses Association, HES will be offering the historically low discount entry of £1 to young people who want to explore Scotland’s historic sites.