Visitor numbers at Rosslyn Chapel show that 2013 was its busiest year since 2007.
During the financial year, which ended on 31 March 2014, the Chapel welcomed 144,823 visitors, which was an increase of 13% on the previous year. The year’s total was the highest number since 2007/8, when there were nearly 159,000 visitors.
Ian Gardner, Director of Rosslyn Chapel Trust, said ‘It’s great to see so many people coming to enjoy this wonderful building. As Rosslyn Chapel Trust is a registered charity, every visit supports the long term conservation of the Chapel, helping to ensure that future generations can also enjoy it. The Chapel’s conservation project ended in September 2013 and that has undoubtedly helped our visitor numbers, with many people commenting that this has given them their first opportunity in 16 years to see the building without scaffolding.’
Rosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446 by Sir William St Clair and the mysterious symbolism of its ornate stonework has inspired, intrigued and attracted artists and visitors to the Midlothian site for generations. The Chapel’s conservation project, which began in 1997,was supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland.