Monday 9 October 2017 8 Today's Business Future Business Motions & Questions Legislation Other Gnothaichean an-diugh Gnothaichean ri teachd Gluasadan agus Ceistean Reachdas Eile Motions | Gluasadan *S5M-08153 Miles Briggs: Commending Historic Environment Scotland Staff after Record- breaking Summer That the Parliament commends the hard work of all staff at Historic — Environment Scotland (HES) sites in Lothian and across Scotland following a record-breaking summer season; notes that, during the period from April to September 2017, a record 3.8 million people visited HES s ticketed historic sites across the country, an increase of 20% on the previous ’ year s numbers, and that August was the busiest-ever individual month recorded with more than ’ 870,000 visitors; further notes that Edinburgh Castle remained the most popular paid attraction with 1,433,896 visitors during the period, while Blackness Castle experienced the biggest increase in visitor numbers; pays tribute to the efforts of HES staff for the important role that they play in welcoming visitors to Scotland's heritage locations and making sure that they have an enjoyable and informative experience, and wishes them continued success in the future.