Record numbers at Edinburgh's Christmas

Record numbers of people visited Edinburgh's Christmas over the festive period, with organisers hailing the event a huge success.

Total footfall through East Princes Street Gardens and St Andrew Square was up from last year's 3.8 million to more than four million.

Events company Underbelly said the number of unique visitors had increased from 866,930 to 917,000.

An estimated 60% of the people came from outside Edinburgh and Lothian.

Visitors from 64 countries came to the capital for the Street of Light and other Christmas attractions including the ice rink and big wheel.

'World envy'

Charlie Wood, director of Edinburgh's Christmas, said: "It's been a real privilege for Underbelly to produce Edinburgh's Christmas on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council for the past four years and particularly to see the substantial year on year growth and the positive impact on the residents and businesses of Edinburgh.

"We've seen record numbers of people enjoying their visits to Edinburgh's Christmas this year and we're delighted to have welcomed so many visitors from both Edinburgh and 64 countries around the world.

"We would like to thank those who partnered us and supported the event including Standard Life, Aggreko, LIDL and Western Toyota. Edinburgh in winter is truly world class and once again it's proved it's the place to be."

Richard Lewis, Edinburgh's Festivals and events champion, said: "Our winter festivals are the envy of the world and rightly so.

"This has been another record-breaking year for Edinburgh, and the huge boost to footfall is good news for city centre businesses and the local economy. I'm pleased so many local people have benefitted from the discount for EH postcode holders.

"There really is no place that can beat Edinburgh at Christmas."