MORE people than ever are flocking to see Glasgow's historic sites, new figures show.

Heritage agency Historic Scotland said the number of people visiting its sites in the city, as well as the Clyde and Ayrshire areas, has risen by almost a fifth.

Between June and August this year, the organisation reported 130,899 visitors to ticketed sites across the area, an increase of 18.9% on the same period last year.

Glasgow Cathedral welcomed 107,987 visitors during the period, up 22.1%.

Other attractions which reported particularly high visitor numbers include Crossraguel Abbey, near Maybole, which saw a rise of 25.4% and Newark Castle in Port Glasgow, which saw an increase of 30.5%.

Cabinet secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said: "These figures illustrate the important role that heritage plays for modern-day Scotland.

"The benefits are many - in terms of highlighting our diverse culture at home and abroad - but also in terms of supporting and driving economic growth.

"All of the income generated is invested back into our rich historic environment to continue to provide world-class attractions for Scots and overseas visitors alike.

"As the custodians of Scotland's rich heritage, it is important that we continue to engage with both Scots and visitors from around the world as we look forward to Scotland welcoming the world in 2014."

Across the agency's 78 ticketed attractions, records were broken at flagship site Edinburgh Castle, up 26% on last year between June and August.

During last month alone, 229,940 people visit the castle, a rise of 35.8%.

ewan.fergus@ eveningtimes.co.uk