An open weekend to mark St Andrew's Day attracted tens of thousands of people to Edinburgh Castle.
A massive 24,810 people enjoyed free access to the historic attraction. That was 12% higher than in the previous year, when 22,169 people took up the offer.
The Historic Scotland weekend event was also a hit across the country with 39,700 people visiting 47 attractions, an 11% increase on the previous year.
The free weekend in the lead up to St Andrew's Day also marked the end of Homecoming 2009, a year long event celebrating the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns.
In keeping with tradition, Edinburgh Castle was also open on St Andrew's Day itself so people could view the crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
Barbara Smith, Historic Scotland's executive manager of Edinburgh Castle, said: "Having the castle open for three days for free is very special and we were delighted by the number of visitors we welcomed through the gates.
"It was an excellent opportunity for people to enjoy the heritage at the heart of their own community for free."
Other sites in the Lothians which took part in the free weekend were Linlithgow Palace, Blackness Castle, Craigmillar Castle, Dirleton Castle and Gardens, Tantallon Castle and Trinity House.
