ONE of the art world's most prestigious prize ceremonies and a clutch of top sporting events are lined up to keep Scotland on the international stage this year after two million people attended events during the country's year in the limelight in 2014.
Tourism leaders said record-breaking numbers attended 1049 Homecoming events last year as the world's gaze focused on spectacles like the Commonwealth Games and the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn.
This year Glasgow is to host the Turner Prize as well as World Gymnastics and European Judo championships while the Ryder Cup bounce is expected to reach The Open Championship at St Andrews.
The new figures were compiled from independent reports and include events such as Bannockburn Live, which attracted a crowd of 20,000, Glasgow Film Festival, Perthshire Amber, East Neuk Festival and Scotland's Boat Show, all of which achieved record-breaking attendances during 2014.
Fergus Ewing, Minister for Tourism, said the "eyes of the world have been on Scotland like never before".
He said: "Homecoming has been a huge success, bringing millions together in a joint celebration of all that is great about our country and showcasing all of our unique attractions and icons to a massive worldwide audience.
"In 2014, building on the momentum created by the success of previous themed years, we have seen a record breaking number of events and attractions right across the country joining the Homecoming celebration, extending the benefits of the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup across the whole year and boosting the tourism and wider economy. "
Mike Cantlay, chairman of VisitScotland, said: "Scotland enjoyed a breathtaking programme of more than 1,000 events in this incredible Homecoming year, touching every single corner of the country.
"I am unaware of any other country in the world our size which has delivered events on such a scale and with such prowess."
Brigadier David Allfrey, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Chief Executive and Producer, said that "Taste of the Tattoo" performances staged in Glasgow, Stirling and Dundee proved popular for those who could not get tickets for the main sold-out event at Edinburgh Castle.
Alistair Moffat, festival director at Brewin Dolphin Borders Book Festival, said last year brought record-breaking attendance figures.
However VisitScotland said its "final evaluation" for the Year of Homecoming Scotland 2014 is not due until the spring.
Following the evaluation Holyrood will scrutinise the organisation of showcase events after the Bannockburn Live celebrations were cut back.
Poor early ticket sales led to control being shifted from the National Trust for Scotland to VisitScotland with the budget slashed from £950,000 to £650,000.
MSPs on the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee are expected to return to issues surrounding the Bannockburn and Homecoming events when the evaluation is published.
VisitScotland said early positive indicators from the year include the fact that the number of events in Scotland - 1,049 - was more than double the initial target of 400 and Homecoming-themed events were held in every local authority area.
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