Scotland is the Perfect Location for Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air this month as splashes of red and pink and heart shaped decorations fill shop windows across the country. This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Thursday, which provides the perfect opportunity for a romantic long weekend away to Scotland.

From the fairy-tale castles to the breath-taking landscapes, it is not hard to see why Scotland has been the inspiration behind countless love stories, poems and songs. The country is perfect for those looking to ‘wow’ their valentine and make their 14 February 2019 memorable.

In honour of making this Valentine’s Day extra special, here are a few, of the many, reasons why Scotland is the ideal location for a romantic getaway.

For more information about Valentine’s Day in Scotland visit https://www.visitscotland.com/blog/events/ways-to-woo-your-valentine/

The Restaurants

Scotland has a wealth of fresh and local ingredients on offer and so it is no wonder that Scottish cuisine is receiving rave reviews. From seafood to seasonal vegetables and local, hand-reared meat, the country is well-known for its high-quality produce. With nine restaurants across the country being awarded Michelin-star status and a host of award winning eateries, those looking for the perfect Valentine’s meal will be spoilt for choice.

https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/food

The Distilleries

Toast to love with a whisky, or a gin, at one of the distilleries that call Scotland home. For whisky and gin lovers there are plenty of weekend experiences to choose from: hire a car and follow Scotland’s whisky and gin trails, book a distillery tour or simply head down to one of the country’s local pubs and discover the spirits among the locals.

There are a range of craft beer breweries and other non-alcoholic offerings available throughout Scotland for those who are not fans of the local spirits.

https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/drink/

The Night Sky

What is more romantic than lying beneath a starry sky? Scotland has received Dark Sky Park status for two of its parks, the Galloway Forest Park in the South of Scotland and, more recently, the Cairngorms Dark Sky Park in the Highlands. For an extra special evening and for the perfect Valentines date, pack a picnic and lie underneath spectacular skies; or book a visit into the Scottish Dark Sky Park Observatory on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park.

https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/landscapes-nature/dark-sky-parks-sites/

The Accommodation

One thing that Scotland does not lack in is romantic stays; with a wide variety of accommodation available to suit all romantic types. For those who are looking for that extra ‘wow’ factor during their weekend, one of the many castle stays across the country is the perfect option. For something a bit different there are quirky and unique options on offer; from treehouses and yurts to lighthouses and Iron Age dwellings. There is also a great range of luxury and boutique hotels to choose from.

https://www.visitscotland.com/holidays-breaks/romantic/

Love film? Check out these Scotland-set features to get in the mood for a romantic trip…

Mary, Queen of Scots (2019)

The thrilling new Mary, Queen of Scots film, which stars Saoirse Ronan as the titular Queen, and Margot Robbie as her second cousin and rival monarch Elizabeth I, covers a tumultuous period of British history – including Mary’s whirlwind romance with Lord Darnley - and offers the perfect excuse to explore Scotland and the many fascinating historical connections to Mary Stuart, as well as some the stunning filming locations used in the film.

Outlander (TV series)

Fan favourite Outlander has brought many visitors to Scotland who want to see the breath-taking Scottish scenery shown on screen in real life. From ancient and mysterious standing stones to dramatic castles, magnificent stately homes and breath-taking landscapes, visit Scotland after seeing this and embark on an inspiring journey.

Outlaw King (2018)

Netflix’s Outlaw King tells a pivotal story about one of Scotland’s most important historical figures, Robert the Bruce (played by Chris Pine) and his first victory against the English army. It also features his burgeoning romance and marriage to the feisty Elizabeth de Burgh (portrayed by Florence Pugh). Directed by David Mackenzie, the film was shot entirely in (what was 13^th century) Scotland and is the biggest movie to be made on Scottish turf to date. Visitors might want to check out Seacliff Beach in East Lothian after seeing it, which is featured in the film in a memorable romantic scene for Bruce and Elizabeth!

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)

The Bollywood film, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, is one of the most popular romantic Indian films of all time. Starring famous Bollywood actor, Shah Rukh Khan, the film focuses on the character Anjali who was in love with her best-friend Rahul, but he had eyes only for Tina. Years later, Rahul and the now-deceased Tina's eight-year-old daughter attempts to reunite her father and Anjali. Some of the film was filmed in East Lothian, Glen Coe, Stirling, and Eilean Donan Castle.

Gregory’s Girl (1989)

Filmed entirely in Scotland, in North Lanarkshire, including the Abronhill High School, this an unforgettable story of teen romance, as Gregory (played by John Gordon Sinclair) fights to win the affections of the girl he fancies, Dorothy, not least because she is on the football team and a better player than him!