Edinburgh Castle scoops UK crown

Edinburgh Castle welcomed a record number of visitors this summer
Edinburgh Castle welcomed a record number of visitors this summer

EDINBURGH Castle has been named the UK’s Best Heritage Attraction for a record fourth year running at the 2014 British Travel Awards (BTAs).

This year’s prestigious BTAs, the largest consumer voted awards in the UK, saw the castle once again lift the title following a public vote.

With over one million public votes cast for this year’s awards, the Best UK Heritage Attraction accolade tops off a bumper year for the world-famous Scottish landmark. As Scotland’s number one paid for visitor attraction, Edinburgh Castle welcomes over 1.4 million visitors annually.

Commenting on the Award, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said: “With its dramatic setting, centuries of colourful history and panoramic cityscape views over the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Castle continues to enthrall visitors from around the world.

“To be named the winner of this prestigious award for the fourth year running reflects the enduring appeal of this iconic Scottish landmark, which plays a key role in promoting Scotland to visitors both at home and overseas.”

Nick Finnigan, Executive Manager at Edinburgh Castle, said: “It is a wonderful accolade for Edinburgh Castle to have been named the winner of this prestigious award for the fourth year in a row.

“This award builds on a fantastic year for the castle where we have experienced another record-breaking season, with more people coming through the castle gates this summer than ever before, as we continue to invest in our world class visitor experience.

“This continued accolade is made doubly special as the winner is voted for by the public and our visitors and we’d like to thank them for their support.”