Stamp of approval for Urquhart Castle
An iconic Highland landmark has been given the royal stamp of approval.
Urquhart Castle on the shore of Loch Ness is featured in the second and concluding part of Royal Mail’s dramatic 26-stamp, alphabetical odyssey around the UK.
UK A – Z Part 2, issued today (Tuesday), features the castle along with other famous buildings including Stirling Castle, York Minster and the White Cliffs of Dover.
Although Urquhart Castle today is largely ruins, it was one of the largest strongholds of medieval Scotland in its day.
The castle is now one of Scotland’s top tourist attractions, welcoming around 290,000 visitors per year.
The atmospheric ruins on the banks of Loch Ness is now perhaps best known to the nation as the place where a number of the sightings of the famous Loch Ness Monster occur.
The A-Z journey began in October last year, when Part 1 saw 12 First Class stamps featuring the letters A to L.
Now Part 2 reveals a further 14 landmarks from across the UK.
This second set picks up the journey at the letter M and continuing on to Z - bringing this fascinating series to its natural conclusion.
Paul Kelly, Regional Operations Director for Royal Mail, said: "Our two-part journey around the UK has proved a wonderful reminder of the fantastic number of landmarks, such as Urquhart Castle, that we are fortunate to enjoy.
"Urquhart Castle, sat on the banks of Loch Ness, is a stunning monument to Scotland’s history.
"The castle remains part of popular folklore, with many of those wanting to search for ‘Nessie’ coming to visit the castle ruins and we’re proud to feature such an enduring landmark in our stamp set."
Historic Scotland manages many of Scotland’s iconic buildings including Urquhart Castle and Stirling Castle.
Chief Executive Ruth Parsons said: "Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle are two of Scotland’s most iconic and instantly recognisable historic properties.
"They are renowned the world over for their magnificent settings and colourful histories, and rank amongst our most popular sites for national and international visitors.
"I am delighted that these wonderful new stamps from Royal Mail will be carrying images of Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle the length and breadth of the United Kingdom."
VisitScotland, Scotland’s premier tourist agency, also welcomed the new stamps.
Mr Scott Armstrong, Regional Director for VisitScotland said: "As one of the country’s most iconic locations, Urquhart Castle is a huge draw for visitors, and is amongst the highest visited attractions in Scotland.
"I am delighted that the Royal Mail has chosen to include it in this very special selection."
