The Falkirk Wheel in Scotland is enjoying a bumper summer season.

More than 51,000 people visited The Wheel in June, a rise of 32 per cent on the same period last year and well ahead of the Scottish average which showed an increase of only 0.1 per cent.

July continued to see a boost in numbers with a 30 per cent rise to 69,000.

The world’s first and only rotating boat lift is proving a particular draw for overseas visitors with significant numbers from North America and mainland Europe taking to the water in one of the specially constructed trip boats.

The Wheel continues to attract attention from a variety of international media outlets and following a very positive article in Emirates Airline magazine the attraction has witnessed a marked increase in visitors from the Middle East.

Commenting on the figures, Richard Millar, service and business development manager at British Waterways Scotland, said: “More and more people are realising that The Falkirk Wheel not only offers a fantastic day out but also an opportunity to see a truly unique piece of engineering that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world.

“Although The Wheel is an awesome visitor attraction in its own right, it also acts as a gateway to Scotland’s breathtaking canal network, with millions of visitors now taking to the towpaths on Scotland’s Highland and Lowland waterways every year to experience the wealth of leisure activities on offer.”

A renewed marketing drive and series of events, including The Scottish Boat Show and Outdoor Leisure Festival, have helped boost numbers at The Falkirk Wheel over the summer months and managers at the attraction are now planning a series of new initiatives for next season.