Scottish tourist attractions have recorded a 3% rise in visitors, the fourth consecutive year of growth, the Scottish Government said.

Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) statistics found a total of 6,246,846 people visited member sites in the year to April, an increase of 201,988 from April, 2015.

Loch Ness by Jacobite, which operate cruises on the loch, saw a 21% rise in visitors and Edinburgh Castle reported an 11% increase.

ASVA credited the popularity of TV series Outlander for helping tourism, with more visitors making the trip to Culloden Battlefield and Doune Castle.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said: “Our tourism sector is of vital importance to the Scottish economy, and as these industry figures confirm, visitor attractions in Scotland are enjoying a four year period of sustained growth.

“Many of our paid and unpaid attractions are reporting brisk business, which underlines Scotland’s place as a tourist destination that offers quality experiences and value for money.

“More visitors coming through the doors help stimulate economic growth, supporting jobs and the companies that supply goods and services to the attractions.”

Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions chair Douglas Walker said: “It is clear that attractions are investing and developing innovative new products and services.

“Our members work tirelessly to deliver top quality attractions that offer authentic, memorable experiences delivered to a consistently high standard.

“We will work with our members to help them come up with ideas for exciting experiences that are essential for keeping visitors coming back time and again.”