As the New Year begins, so has 2017 as the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. Local MSP Kenneth Gibson is encouraging the public to make a New Year’s Resolution to visit some of Scotland’s stunning historic sites.
Official figures show that Scotland’s historic and cultural sites continue to draw visitors in their millions. Year on year, Historic Environment Scotland’s sites have attracted more and more visitors, increasing from 3,150,325 in 2010 to 3,760,254.
The National Trust for Scotland has also reported growing numbers of visitors in recent years, with over 2,650,000 in 2016.
The 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology is expected to increase visitor numbers even further, with events planned across the country. It is the latest of VisitScotland’s ‘Themed Years’ following on from the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, and the 2015 Year of Food and Drink.
Kenneth Gibson commented:
“Scotland’s historic sites continue to attract millions of visitors and it’s not hard to see why. Scotland boasts some of the best historical, cultural and natural sites anywhere, as we see each year with Largs Viking Festival.
“Our impressive historical and cultural attractions continue to be a great asset to the Scottish economy, bringing in hundreds of millions of pounds and sustaining thousands of jobs.
“Both Historic Environment Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland have seen visitor numbers boom in recent years and growth will continue as we mark the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology in 2017.
“I urge folk to make a New Year’s Resolution to visit some of the exceptional historic sites on our doorstep.”
ENDS
