Edinburgh Castle has most visitors since records began

Edinburgh Castle attracted 203,940 visitors in July, up 19% compared to the same period last year

Edinburgh Castle has set a new record by attracting more than 200,000 visitors last month.

It attracted 203,940 visitors in July, up 19% compared with the same period last year, the previous record high.

The best day was Tuesday 19 July, with 8,128 visitors, which was the first time in three years that there have been more than 8,000 visitors in a day.

The newly redeveloped National Museum of Scotland has attracted more than 200,000 visitors in two weeks.

Jane Carmichael, director of collections at National Museums Scotland, said: "We are delighted by the spectacular number of visitors, which has exceeded both our expectations and all previous records.

"It shows we have successfully created a world-class museum in which people are inspired by the sheer variety and wonder of our collections."

'Fascinating city'

Speaking about the Edinburgh Castle figures, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "This is very welcome news.

"Edinburgh Castle is a global icon as well as Scotland's number one tourist attraction and it continues to draw increasing numbers of visitors from around the world.

"Our heritage assets have a very important part to play in Scotland's economy and it is even more impressive that this is happening in a continuing challenging economic climate.

"With the Edinburgh Festival and the Edinburgh Tattoo in full-swing, Edinburgh is a hub of cultural activity and a fascinating city to explore all year round."

Nick Finnigan, executive manager at Edinburgh Castle put the growth down to a rise in Lothian Bus ticket visitors, Royal Edinburgh ticket holders and Scottish Heritage pass users.