Edinburgh Castle in Scotland is to finally get ticket entry and visitor reception facilities to match its worldwide five-star reputation.

The £2.7 million project includes:

• a new terrace and gathering area offering spectacular city views • a new ticket office on the terrace

• online booking and information on events via a new Edinburgh Castle website • a sophisticated and swift onsite electronic ticketing system

Planning permission and Scheduled Monument clearance have been granted and work on the terrace and ticket office is due to start towards the end of this year. The aim is to have the new ticketing area up and running for the start of the 2008 visitor season.

Chris Watkins, Historic Scotland’s head of major projects, said: “Our research shows that once visitors are inside Edinburgh Castle there is so much to do and see that they feel it is excellent value for money. We are trying to make sure that this positive experience begins before they even reach the drawbridge.”

Patricia Ferguson MSP, minister for tourism, culture and sport, said: “Edinburgh Castle is an internationally famous icon and I am delighted that Historic Scotland is making such a significant investment in improving visitor services and facilities.

“A visit to the castle is often one of the highlights of a holiday in Scotland and this project will help ensure it gets off to the best possible start, with a warm welcome plus modern and efficient service.”

The new ticket office has been designed by Glasgow-based Gareth Hoskins Architects.