An influx of anniversary visitors has made 2010 a bumper year for Barrie’s birthplace in Kirriemuir.
The town has enjoyed worldwide attention 150 years on from the birth of one of its most famous sons, Peter Pan creator Sir JM Barrie, with the author’s Brechin Road home a must visit destination for many.
Wendys have played their part in a 24% increase on 2009’s visitor numbers, with 243 enjoying free entry to the attraction under a promotion by the National Trust for Scotland.
The trust revamped the exhibition at the former weaver’s cottage to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Barrie’s birth on May 9 and never before seen items were put on display for visitors.
Property manager John McKenna said, “The celebrations of JM Barrie’s birthday and our revamped exhibition have all contributed to making 2010 a bumper season for us at the birthplace. We’ve had a massive increase in visitors coming to learn more about the life and works of this esteemed Kirriemuir son.”
Sandra Affleck, chairwoman of Kirriemuir Heritage Trust’s 2010 organising team which led a successful Celebration of Imagination anniversary initiative, said, “I am over the moon to learn that Barrie’s birthplace has had a bumper season and can only hope that the worldwide publicity our celebrations have generated this year will lead to even greater visitor numbers in the future.”
The cottage is due to close for the season this Sunday.