Busiest ever month for Edinburgh Castle

The castle attracted 205,832 paying visitors last month, the highest number in a single month since records began, and an 8 per cent increase on August 2010.

It was the attraction’s second record-beating month in a row.

Historic Scotland, which runs the castle on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, said 8 August was the busiest day with 8,232 visitors, beating the previous record of 8,128 on 19 July.

Nick Finnigan, Edinburgh Castle’s executive manager, said: “I am delighted that we have had the best ever August in terms of visitor figures.

“Our aim is to continue to improve the visitor experience at the castle and continue to draw visitors from around the world.”

Fiona Hyslop, the culture minister, said: “Edinburgh Castle is a global icon and continues to fascinate and attract people from all around the world.

“The increase in visitor numbers is really encouraging and highlights the important role Scotland’s history and heritage plays in Scotland’s economy.

“No city in the world can compare with Edinburgh in August with the added attractions of the Festival, Fringe and Fireworks.”

Edinburgh’s Castle Rock has been a stronghold for more than 3,000 years, archaeologists having found evidence for human occupation of the extinct volcanic rock going back to 900 BC, in the late Bronze Age.

During the Roman occupation of Scotland in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, it was at the centre of a thriving settlement.

The castle itself was constructed in the 12th century and includes St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest existing building in Edinburgh.

In 1996, the Stone of Destiny, Scotland’s coronation stone, was placed in the Crown Room alongside the nation’s Crown Jewels, the Honours of Scotland, following its return from Westminster.

The Castle Esplanade hosts the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Edinburgh Castle has been shortlisted for the British Travel Awards best UK Heritage Attraction. The winner will be announced next month.