Edinburgh Castle named the UK’s Best Heritage Attraction for a record fourth year running at the 2014 British Travel Awards

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND, 2014-11-27 — /Travel PR News/ — 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, Scotland’s number one paid for visitor attraction, once again lift the title, following a public vote.

With over one million public votes cast as part of this year’s awards, the accolade of Best UK Heritage Attraction tops off a bumper year for the world-famous Scottish landmark, following a record-breaking summer season for the castle, which 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 enthral 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.”
Notes for editors:

• Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment. The agency is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament.

• Register for media release email alerts from www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/news. If you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email hs.website@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

• Scotland welcomes the world in the Year of Homecoming 2014 providing a year-long programme of events alongside the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games. The Year of Homecoming Scotland will run until 31 December 2014 throughout the length and breadth of the country. Visitors from around the world are invited to join in a celebration of the nation’s food and drink, active pursuits, cultural heritage, nature and ancestral heritage. Homecoming Scotland 2014 is a Scottish Government initiative being led by EventScotland and VisitScotland, supported by numerous partners. To find out more visit www.homecomingscotland.com. For more on Historic Scotland’s Homecoming activities visit www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/homecoming or tweet us using #hshomecoming.

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For further information
Iona Matheson, Media & PR Officer
Historic Scotland Media Office
0131 668 8703 or 07827 956 858
iona.matheson@scotland.gsi.gov.uk