Edinburgh International Film Festival admissions up by 9%

Karen Gillan has been made an EIFF honorary patron

There was a 9% rise in admissions for this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), organisers have revealed.

The 12-day event drew to a close on Sunday after screening 134 new features.

There were more than 50,000 admissions at venues across the city - an increase on last year's figure.

The festival sold tickets for theatres including the EIFF's home at the Filmhouse.

It also sold tickets at its venue partner Cineworld, and at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh, the Traverse, Dominion Cinema, Odeon Lothian Road, Royal Lyceum Theatre and Belmont Filmhouse in Aberdeen.

Organisers said an additional 14,600 people enjoyed two weekends of outdoor screenings as part of the Film in the City event.

Opening night

Actor Robert Carlyle's directorial debut The Legend of Barney Thomson opened the 2015 festival - in its 69th year - where it received its world premiere ahead of its release at the end of July.

Ken Hay, EIFF chief executive said there had been some "truly memorable moments", including the opening night and Ewan McGregor's sold-out in-person event at the Lyceum.

"Our audiences have obviously responded to our rich and diverse programme, and we are thrilled to see the increase in admissions," he said.

As the event closed, it was announced Scottish actors James Cosmo and Karen Gillan had been made EIFF honorary patrons.

Cosmo has appeared in films such as Highlander and Braveheart while Gillan is known for her role as Amy Pond in Doctor Who.

Scottish actor James Cosmo was also made an honorary patron