Post by Stirling Council

🙌 😍 The National Wallace Monument welcomed a record 144,200 visitors last year – another sign of the strength and growth of Stirling’s tourism economy. It eclipses the previous peak of 140,852 visitors in 2017-18 and is an 8.2% rise on those who visited the Monument in 2024-25. The 2025-2026 figure also exceeds the average annual number of visitors to the Monument (135,000) in the 10-year period after the release of Braveheart, which sparked a new wave of interest in the story of Wallace across the globe. Prior to the launch of the film, annual visitor numbers to the National Wallace Monument were in the region of 80,000 per annum. Standing proudly above Stirling, the National Wallace Monument, which opened in 1869, allows visitors discover the story of Scotland’s national hero, Sir William Wallace, while enjoying spectacular panoramic views across historic landscapes. With interactive exhibits, fascinating artefacts, and woodland walks around The Abbey Craig, it’s the perfect family day out during the school holidays. This summer, more can enjoy it for even better value thanks to a temporary reduction on all admission tickets. Until 1 September, the UK Government has reduced VAT from 20% to 5%, and these savings are being passed on directly by the Monument to visitors, with an adult ticket now only £10.68 while a family of four can enjoy the experience for only £28.10. Convener of Stirling Council’s Finance, Economy and Culture Committee, Cllr Gerry McLaughlan said: “We are thrilled at these record visitor numbers to the National Wallace Monument, one of the crown jewels in Scotland’s tourism offering. It shows that the attraction is delivering a world-class visitor experience and is continuing to inspire people across the world, 157 years after it opened to the public. “Thanks to our dedicated staff for making a visit to the Monument so memorable and to everyone who has chosen to come here. We are committed to investing in the Monument to enhance the visitor experience and ensure it remains a must-visit destination, drawing in both first-time and returning visitors. “I’m also pleased we have been able to reduce ticket prices over the summer so that more visitors and families can experience a day out at Monument and everything else we have to offer in Stirling.” It comes as figures shows that visitor numbers to Stirling have surged beyond pre-pandemic levels. Figures from the Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) show that 4.662 million people visited Stirling in 2024, an increase of more than 10% on the previous year and higher than the previous peak recorded in 2017. Stirling was also named by travel specialists TimeOut as the best place to visit in the UK in 2026 and was recognised as Scotland’s top visitor destination by Lonely Planet. Read more: https://lnkd.in/emSquE3S #Stirling #Tourism #Visitors #History #heritage #scotland VisitScotland