MELROSE Abbey is one of the most visited heritage attractions in Scotland, it has been revealed.

Figures show that 49,566 visitors flocked to the historic landmark over the last 11 months, leaving it the 10th most popular in Scotland.

Together Melrose, Jedburgh and Dryburgh Abbeys welcomed more than 90,000 visitors, an increase of six per cent on the same period last year.

But top of the trio of historic staffed attractions in the Borders, Melrose, recorded a jump of around eight per cent year-on-year.

Stephen Duncan, director of commercial and tourism at Historic Environment Scotland, said: "This financial year has seen us hit an incredible milestone, achieving a record breaking first for Scotland’s heritage tourism sector. A fantastic four million visitors turned out at our staffed sites, which include some of the country’s most iconic landmarks.

"We welcomed 474,198 more visitors in total to our staffed sites compared to the same period last year – our greatest number of visitors ever – we also recorded increased footfall at our magnificent Border abbeys. Collectively the trio of historic sites welcomed 5,185 more visitors compared to the same period last year.

"Made doubly special during Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, this performance clearly demonstrates the real value and significance of heritage attractions as well as their continued importance within Scotland’s wider tourism offering.

"Our visitor figures are truly a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of our site staff who bring Scotland’s past to life every day, providing our visitors with a real insight into our shared history and heritage."

Top 10 staffed attractions: Edinburgh Castle 1,647,351; Stirling Castle 447,512; Urquhart Castle 380,152; Skara Brae 91,860; Doune Castle 84,972; Linlithgow Palace 68,958; Iona Abbey 63,502; St Andrews Castle 72,283; Fort George 58,098; Melrose Abbey 49,566.