EDINBURGH, Scotland - July 2, 2006 (UPI) -- The hordes of tourists expected to descend on an ancient Scottish chapel after the release of the movie version of "The Da Vinci Code" have failed to appear.
Stuart Beattie of the Rosslyn Chapel Trust told The Scotsman the site has not seen a spike in visitors following the May 19 release of the movie.
"While we are having more visitors than last year, it's less than we expected, and not a result of the film coming out," he said.
The chapel near Edinburgh plays a major part in the book and movie. But the movie does not place the chapel in Scotland.
Some Scottish towns and villages have done well out of movies. Fans of the 1983 comedy "Local Hero" still visit Pennan, a fishing village near Aberdeen where it was shot, and Stirling lures admirers of Mel Gibson's "Braveheart."
There is even an annual "Wicker Man" festival every year in honor of the cult classic starring Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee and a more-than-life size basketwork figure.
Alistair Harkness, The Scotsman's film critic, suggested that the quality of "The Da Vinci Code," which he calls "pretty awful," is to blame for the missing tourists at Rosslyn Chapel. But tourist officials say the impact may also be delayed.
The movie has grossed more than $700 million worldwide.
Copyright 2006 United Press International
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