The lure of ancient history

Six sites on Orkney recorded an eight per cent rise in visitors in the last year according to new figures from Historic Environment Scotland.

In total, more than 41,500 people visited Historic Environment Scotland’s staffed sites on the islands between April and June 2017, an increase from the same period last year.

The Iron Age Broch of Gurness proved most popular with more than 4,000 admissions representing a 36 per cent jump in visits to the site.

Maeshowe, a Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage site attracted 7,597 visitors, a rise of 14 per cent on the previous year.

In Kirkwall to attend the St Magnus Festival, International Development and Europe Minister Alasdair Allan said:

“Orkney’s historic environment acts as a magnet for tourists drawn to its world class attractions.

“2017 celebrates the richness of Scotland's intriguing history, impressive cultural heritage and fascinating archaeology. Orkney boasts all of this and so much more.

“We want to support businesses involved in the Scottish tourism industry to make the most of the opportunities they create ensuring they are sustainable and make a positive impact on the environment, society and economy.”

Background

Find out more about the Heart of Neolithic Orkney: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support/listing-scheduling-and-designations/world-heritage-sites/heart-of-neolithic-orkney/