VISITOR numbers to East Lothian’s Saltire event are on the up.

The event, which has been part of the Scottish Winter Festival’s initiative since 2010, is held each November and offers a range of events to mark St Andrew’s Day at the ‘Home of the Flag’.

A visitor survey and economic impact report on the Saltire, carried out by MKA Economics on behalf of East Lothian Council, showed a rise in visitor numbers of three per cent compared to last year.

A total of 7,216 people attended events in East Lothian last year, compared to 7,026 12 months previously.

Councillor John McMillan, the local authority’s spokesman for economic development and tourism, told the Courier: “The Saltire offers a range of events appealing to a diverse audience and this study gives a clear indication of how well the event organisers have anticipated and met audience expectations.

“The Saltire events have faced challenges over the years posed by inclement weather and, although two events in 2015 had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, the total visitor numbers still reached a record high.”

“I find it particularly encouraging that increasing numbers of people are coming to East Lothian to enjoy the event and staying in local accommodation.

“The report also discovered that 70 per cent of last year’s visitors were planning to attend future events.

“If we can attract people to East Lothian during the traditionally quiet tourism period pre-Christmas then it’s a clear indicator that the county offers quality year-round opportunities for short breaks.”

Sixty per cent of visitors to last year’s Saltire came from outwith the county, while 36 per cent chose to stay overnight, up from 15 per cent.