Perth’s powerful poppy display has attracted more than 65,000 visitors – that’s the equivalent of one-and-a-half times the city’s population.
The spectacular Weeping Window installation at the Black Watch Museum opened to the public at the end of June.
The display, featuring more than 5,000 ceramic blood red poppies, has attracted crowds from all over the world.
And the visitor numbers have exceeded expectations, with around 40,000 visiting the artwork at Kirkwall earlier this year.
The attraction, which drew 30,000 people in its first month, has been hailed as a major boost for the local economy. It is also expected to strengthen Perth’s bid for City of Culture status.
Council leader Ian Miller said: “This has been a great success and already over 65,000 visitors have been to see the poppies since it opened.
“There has been a varied mix of local, national and international visitors who have commented very favourably. We are anticipating a big influx in the last two to three weeks in September before the exhibition closes on the 25th.”
He added: “This has been a fitting memorial, at the home of the Black Watch, to those who served in the 14-18 war.”
The display is one of two sculptures by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper which were commissioned by the 14-18 NOW art group.
The pieces were originally set up at the Tower of London, which drew millions of visitors throughout 2014.
Museum chairman Sir Alistair Irwin agreed that the sculpture would boost the economy, but said he felt the message of remembrance was a more important legacy.
The installation was praised by local MP Pete Wishart. He said: “Thousands of visitors have been coming to Perth to see this breath-taking installation and I was personally very moved by its significance.
“Even during my short visit, there were groups from all across the UK and a group from Canada, proving that this has been a real draw for tourists.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the team at The Black Watch Museum, including the many ‘Poppy Volunteers’, for making my visit extremely memorable.”
At the end of the month, the display will be dismantled and packed into boxes before being transported to its next destination at Caernarfon Castle in Wales.