Two of Scotland’s best-loved tourist attractions have been shortlisted in the British Travel Awards.
Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle are the only Scottish sites in the running for the Best UK Heritage Attraction category.
They are shortlisted alongside the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, the National Maritime Museum in Cornwall, and the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
The winner of the award is decided on by the public, who have until 30th September 2015 to vote for their favourite UK Heritage Attraction on the BTA website.
Stephen Duncan, Director of Commercial and Tourism for Historic Scotland, said: “I am delighted that both Stirling and Edinburgh Castles have been nominated for this prestigious award once more.
“These two iconic castles both played key roles in Scotland’s history, and this nomination is a tribute to the staff who help bring that history to life for thousands of visitors each month.
“I also welcome the fact that for the first time visitors who are not a resident in the UK are also eligible to cast their vote, allowing our large international visitor audience to take part in this exciting process.”
2015 has been a busy year for both castles, which have welcomed a combined 845,867 visitors through their doors in just six months.
Edinburgh Castle, which has won the award four years running, made a social media splash when medieval canon Mons Meg left for the first time in 30 years for her #MonsMegMOT.
The castle also welcomed the historic Waterloo Colours, and saw the launch of its own Edinburgh Castle beer.
Meanwhile Stirling Castle played host to the Great Tapestry of Scotland, saw the completion of a 14 year project to recreate the Royal Palace as it may have looked in the 1540s, and is currently celebrating the 500th anniversary of the birth of one of its most famous residents, Mary of Guise, with a wide variety of events and exhibitions.
To vote for Edinburgh or Stirling Castle to win the Best UK Heritage Attraction Award at the 2015 British Travel Awards, visitwww.britishtravelawards.com
