Bosses at Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness are celebrating after visitor figures for 2018 revealed over 500,000 visitors visited the attraction.
The surge made Urquhart Castle the third most-visited staffed Historic Environment Scotland (HES) site across the nation.
In total 518,195 visitors flocked to the castle, with only Edinburgh and Stirling castles posting higher attendances.
Across the nation, HES reported a five per cent increase in footfall during 2018, with a record number of memberships taken out, peaking at over 200,000.
Stephen Duncan, director for commercial and tourism, said: “2018 was another fantastic year for Scotland’s heritage sites, with visitor numbers continuing to grow.
“As well as the ‘Outlander effect’ bringing international visitors to Scotland to explore its rich history, we have also seen an increase in the number of Scots visiting heritage sites as evidenced in our highest ever membership figure.
“With Scotland being used as a filming location for productions such as Outlaw King and Mary Queen of Scots, we hope visitors will continue to be inspired to explore the history of the sites they see on the big screen.”
He added: “These incredible figures show the importance that the historic environment has on local communities with the vast majority of economic growth generated by the increase in high-spending international visitors.
“From abbeys in the Borders to Norse settlements in Shetland, the appeal of Scotland’s cultural heritage reaches far and wide and is there to be enjoyed by all.”
Culture and tourism secretary Fiona Hyslop, said: “I would like to thank all those who contribute to caring for our precious and unique heritage.
“Scotland’s historic environment is a catalyst for economic growth – driving tourism, regeneration and sustainable development, and fuelling improvements.”
