The Scotch Whisky Experience and Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, two of Edinburgh's leading visitor attractions on Castlehill, have reported record visitor numbers this summer.

The five-star whisky visitor attraction saw July sales increase by 11.5% and August figures by 12%, following on from five years of unprecedented growth since the venue's major refurbishment in 2009.  Similarly, five-star family attraction, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions also broke the mould with July admissions up by 11% on the previous year, producing its busiest month ever.  This record was then smashed in August when numbers went up by a further 9%.

These figures come on the back of a record breaking season for Edinburgh as a whole.  2014 also saw ticket numbers for the Fringe Festival rise by 12%, with the International Festival also passing £3m in ticket sales for the first time.

Julie Trevisan Hunter of The Scotch Whisky Experience comments: “2014 has been the year that Scotland welcomed the world and this has been reflected in our fantastic visitor numbers for July and August.  Amber Restaurant continues to see great success as well, with the venue's sumptuous Tattoo programmes completely selling out.

“However, as well as increasing our visitor numbers, we have strived to improve each visitor's experience, with our on-going refurbishment programme and new group packages.”

Andrew Johnson of Camera Obscura & World of Illusions said: “Andrew Johnson of Camera Obscura & World of Illusions said: “To have a record breaking July and then smash the figures again in August is testament to the work of our fantastic team here.  Through the summer we extended our opening hours from 9am to 9pm, with families enjoying our five floors of fun,  late into the evening.

“The general improvements to Castlehill of the past year have really helped the flow of people past our front door, and as the nights draw in, we look forward to welcoming more visitors from across the globe.”

The two attractions are part of the Castlehill Group – a collective of businesses based on the small street just below Castle Esplanade. 

ENDS

For more information contact:

Angela Casey / Craig MacLellan

CM Porter Novelli

0131 470 3400

angela.casey@porternovelli.co.uk / craig.maclellan@porternovelli.co.uk