Historic Scotland has announced that its attractions had their 'best season on record' after welcoming more than 2.4 million visitors between 1 April and 30 September.
The agency, which manages sites including Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart Castles, saw visitor numbers for September increase 12 per cent on the same period in 2009.
Scottish culture minister Fiona Hyslop said: "These figures are particularly impressive given the widespread impact on the tourism industry of the ash cloud in April."
Image: Edinburgh Castle – Britain On View
