Edinburgh Castle win UK heritage attraction award

EDINBURGH Castle has been named the top heritage attraction in the UK for the third year running.

Tourists at Edinburgh Castle, which has won the UK heritage attraction of the year award for a third time. Picture: TSPL

The world-famous visitor attraction scooped the honour at the British Travel Awards in London.

The castle, which receives more than 1.2 million visitors a year, was the only Scottish attraction to be short-listed this year, Historic Scotland said.

Mike Cantlay, chairman of tourism body VisitScotland, said: “What a fantastic achievement in what has been a truly exceptional year for Edinburgh Castle.

“With bumper visitor figures and continued accolades from visitors and industry alike, the castle continues to be the jewel in Scotland’s tourism crown.”

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “To win this prestigious award three times in a row confirms that Edinburgh Castle’s fascinating history, dramatic location and panoramic views have an enduring appeal for visitors of all ages both in the UK and around the world.”

British Travel Awards’ chief executive Lorraine Barnes Burton said Edinburgh Castle was to be congratulated on the achievement.