Cultural venues in Edinburgh have reported a record-breaking year**, with a boost in audiences and income.**

Edinburgh City Council said fresh figures have cemented the capital's reputation for a "thriving cultural scene".

According to annual reports to the council, Festival City Theatres Trust, which runs the Festival Theatre and and King's Theatre, reported more than 420,000 people had passed through its doors in 2015-2016.

Of these audience members, 69% were from EH postcodes.

The Usher Hall also reported a successful year, with a marked growth in audiences and an increase in the number of rock and pop concerts.

These high-profile events generated £4m and helped the Lothian Road venue maintain its five-star Visit Scotland rating.

The recently refurbished Assembly Rooms reported a more modest boost, with a 2% growth in footfall and 7% rise in income.

Richard Lewis, the city's culture convener, said: "These figures are hugely encouraging for the city's cultural development and the ongoing success of our arts theatre venues.

"The quality of the offering at the Usher Hall, Festival Theatre and King's Theatre is second to none and, following its refurbishment in 2012, the Assembly Rooms has reported another packed year of events.

"Investment has been made in many of the city's key venues in recent years but we know there are still great challenges ahead.

"As footfall increases and these historic buildings age, we must continue to strive towards future investment in our cultural venues."

Karl Chapman, cultural venues manager at the local authority, said: "I think these figures illustrate a thriving cultural scene across our major venues both in terms of attendances as well as participation in our education and community programmes."

Duncan Hendry, chief executive of Festival City Theatres Trust, said: "I'm delighted to report that our venues are in good health.

"More people are coming to the Festival and King's Theatres than in previous years to enjoy an exciting and eclectic programme, which has seen the Trust present more performances than we have ever done before."