HISTORIC sites across Scotland have enjoyed a large rise in visitor numbers, which is good news. But some of the reasons for the increase are less predictable than others.

The numbers themselves are impressive. Sites managed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) saw more than 3.8million visitors from April to September this year – a 20 per cent increase on the same period last year. Scotland has always been a tourist magnet but it would seem the magnet’s power is increasing.

One of the reasons is Outlander, the TV series about a time-travelling nurse which is filmed in Scotland – visitors who love the show clearly want to see the locations for themselves.

However, some of the other reasons for the surge in tourism are a little less welcome. Scotland’s scenery will always have pulling power, but the effect Brexit has had on the pound has also made it more cost effective for visitors to come here. It may also be that some visitors see Scotland as a relatively safe destination in a world where terrorism is a growing threat.

Whatever the reasons, the trick now is to keep the momentum going – we need more investment in our film industry, better facilities for visitors, and much better infrastructure. Readers of Rough Guides recently voted Scotland the most beautiful country in the world, but staying beautiful needs work.