The National Museum of Scotland has attracted a record-breaking 2 million visitors in the 10 months since its reopening last year.

The museum completed a £47.4m refurbishment programme in July 2011 and a target of 1 million visitors was set for the first year - a target which it reached within the first six months.

The success of the redevelopment has resulted in the museum establishing itself as the most visited attraction outside London in 2011. The museum also ranks 16th in attendance among the world’s top art museums.

Gordon Rintoul, director of National Museums Scotland, said: "It is amazing that a number equivalent to four times the population of Edinburgh has visited us in just over 10 months.

"The museum has quickly become both a well-loved favourite and a fantastic showcase for everyone who visits Scotland, and I am delighted with our success."