By Tracy Norris
Historic Scotland is celebrating dramatic visitor numbers to Edinburgh Castle thanks to ‘The Venus Effect’.
A two week exhibition of the Orkney Venus to coincide with school half term has been extended by a further two weeks after the Castle welcomed a huge 17% increase in visitor numbers compared to the same period last year. This amounts to an additional 7,000 visitors over the fortnight.
The Orkney Venus. Photo courtesy of Historic Scotland
Barbara Smith, Edinburgh Castle executive manager, said: “It has been fantastic to see how much interest there has been in the Orkney Venus.
“Adults and children alike have been really excited to get close to this ancient figurine for themselves.
“As a result we have decided to keep the carving on show until 15th November to give more people the chance to see it for themselves and spend the day enjoying everything else the castle has to offer.”
The enchanting Orkney Venus is a tiny figurine measuring only 4cm high and is the oldest known depiction of a face to be discovered in the UK.
She was discovered during archaeological excavations this summer on the Orkney island of Westray. Fondly referred to locally as the Westray Wife, the figurine is due to go on a travelling exhibition to other venues throughout Scotland, before finally returning to a temporary display at the Westray Heritage Centre.
Orkney has already waited over 5,000 years to see her face and it looks like they’ll have to wait a little longer than expected until she returns.
