Press release -
Love is…Edinburgh
Edinburgh is expected to set hearts aflutter this Valentine’s Day, with Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle named as top locations in the city to ‘pop the question’, says the national tourism organisation.
Arthur’s Seat appears as one of five top UK locations for making a marriage proposal, in an innovative online graphic novel created by hotel chain Jurys Inn Hotels about a man’s quest to find the perfect spot.
Edinburgh Castle is also a hotspot for romance in the city and its historic Minstrel’s Gallery, above The Great Hall, has been hired out more than 100 times in the past two years to create the perfect proposal.
The capital is not short of breathtaking backdrops which make the perfect setting for the most romantic and memorable of moments and VisitScotland hopes visitors will be inspired to take the plunge this February 14th.
In the graphic novel, produced by Jurys Inn, the famous statue of ‘Cupid’ in London’s Piccadilly Circus comes to life and takes a man on a journey across the UK, visiting five locations, including Arthur’s Seat, for the “perfect proposal”. On his journey he learns about the origins of Valentine’s Day, the history of the locations, and even a bit of Greek and Roman mythology.
It is not the first time Arthur’s Seat has featured as a top spot for romance. In 2011, the peak in Holyrood Park played a prominent role in the Anne Hathaway-starring romantic film, One Day, based on the David Nicholls’ novel of the same name.
Edinburgh Castle, meanwhile, offers visitors the chance to hire out the Minstrel’s Gallery for marriage proposals – 10 individuals have already taken advantage of this in 2016. In 2014 there were 61 proposals in the Gallery and last year there were 51.
Manuela Calchini, Regional Director at VisitScotland said:
“A happily-ever-after starts with one very important question – the proposal – and Edinburgh has plenty of romantic locations to create the perfect backdrop to pop the question on Valentine’s Day.
“From the awe-inspiring panorama atop Arthur’s Seat, to the grace and splendor of our beautiful historic castle, romance is never far away from our attractions. And with Michelin-star dining and a fantastic choice of bars and pubs there are a plethora of places to continue the celebrations with your loved one.”
Suzanne Cannon, Group Marketing Manager at Jurys Inn, said:
“We decided to create the graphic novel, A Valentine’s Day Story, to do something a little different this Valentine’s Day. We wanted to make something informative, even educational but also entertaining – showing the history of February 14th but also celebrating the locations included.
“Arthur's Seat, overlooking Edinburgh, was included for a number of reasons. It’s where King Arthur's legendary castle supposedly stood, which entails plenty of romance by itself! But also it’s a unique piece of beauty, natural and otherwise, with spectacular views of Edinburgh which change by season and weather, and by day and night. It’s a wonderful place for a couple to begin that promise to each other.”
Nick Finnigan, Executive Manager of Edinburgh Castle, said:
“With over 1,000 years of history on site, and a spectacular view over one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, it’s no wonder that the castle is a romantic hotspot for many couples looking for the perfect place to pop the question.
“Our dedicated events team is on hand to help arrange the perfect proposal and, if all goes well, then couples might also be interested in our wedding open day in April!”
The Jurys Inn graphic novel can be found here: https://www.jurysinns.com/valentines-day-story/
- ENDS -
Picture caption: Edinburgh Castle with Arthur's Seat - credit Paul Tomkins, VisitScotland
Topics
- Tourism
Categories
- s day,arthur
- corporate communications
- valentines seat
- edinburgh castle
Regions
- Scotland
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