Historic visitor attractions across Scotland report a record breaking year in 2011-12 as footfall and income reach "unprecedented levels".

Historic Scotland's 78 paid-for staffed sites welcomed nearly 3.4 million visitors in 2011-12 – up 7 per cent on the previous year – with the agency's tourism and commercial activities generating a 13 per cent rise in income to £31.5m.

Edinburgh Castle remains the most visited attraction operated by the historic environment agency, with visitor numbers reaching 1.3 million – a 10 per cent increase when compared with figures for 2010-11.

Stirling Castle (+17 per cent, 441,924 visits) was the Historic Scotland's second most visited site – mainly due to the reopening of Stirling Palace in June 2011 following a £12m restoration. Urquhart Castle (+10 per cent, 317,811 visits) completed the top three sites.

Scottish culture secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "These statistics speak for themselves and show that Scotland's historic visitor attractions continue to play a vital role in the country's tourism industry and the wider economy.

"The rise in income is also to be welcomed as it allows Historic Scotland to continue reinvesting in the country's important historic environment and the visitor experience they provide.

"While we have seen major improvements in areas such as the retail offering, what has also been key has been the continued improvements in the interpretation ? such as the major investment undertaken at Stirling Palace."