Countdown to vote for Edinburgh Castle to win top UK heritage award

3 September 2012

Edinburgh Castle, last year’s winner of the British Travel Awards top UK Heritage Attraction award has been shortlisted again for the 2012 awards.

Edinburgh Castle is currently leading in the polls with 33.23% but it is extremely close with the Minack Open-air theatre in Cornwall just a few points behind with 29.32% and St Paul’s Cathedral in third place with 23.23%.

Nick Finnigan, Edinburgh Castle’s Executive Manager said: “I am hoping that people will vote for Edinburgh Castle by visiting the Historic Scotland website on www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk  and pressing the ‘vote for us’ button.  It would be fantastic to bring the BTA’s Top UK Heritage Award back to Scotland again.“

Votes must be registered by 30th September 2012.

Nick added: “It was a real honour for Edinburgh Castle to win the BTA’s Top UK Heritage Attraction award last year and I am delighted the castle has been short-listed for this year’s award.

“With record visitor numbers in June, the arrival of the Olympic torch and the lighting of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacon against the dramatic backdrop of the castle, it has been a really momentous year so far.

“There is so much to see at the castle - the Scottish Crown Jewels, which are amongst the oldest regalia in Europe, the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh, as well as our costumed performers who bring history to life.

“We also have an entertainment programme with rock concerts, fabulous fireworks at the end of the Edinburgh Festival and New Year which ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

“We have also added to the visitor experience by refurbishing our shops and catering facilities including the opening of the Tea Rooms offering traditional afternoon teas.”

Notes for editors

1.Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government charged with ensuring that our historic environment provides a strong foundation for a successful future for Scotland. The agency is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament. For more information visit www.historic-scotland.gov.uk  

2.To 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   

3.The Year of Creative Scotland began on January 1, 2012 and will spotlight and celebrate Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths on a world stage. Through a dynamic and exciting year-long programme of activity celebrating our world-class events, festivals, culture and heritage, the year puts Scotland’s culture and creativity in the international spotlight with a focus on cultural tourism and developing the events industry and creative sector in Scotland. More information about the programme can be found at: www.visitscotland.com/creative

4.The Year of Creative Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative led in partnership by EventScotland, VisitScotland, Creative Scotland and VOCAL. More information and resources to help businesses engage with Year of Creative Scotland are available at  www.visitscotland.org/yearofcreativescotland-toolkit