Consistently voted the most romantic place on earth, bring a wee bit of Scottish romance home this year with our guide to a Scottish Valentine’s Day.
From romantic getaways to delectable Scottish treats, discover the perfect way to add a touch of Scotland to your romantic celebrations.
A Day to Make Our Hearts Happiest
Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world and in Scotland it is full of traditions, including giving flowers, anonymous cards, special messages and, above all, lots of love.
People across Scotland are getting ready for the year’s top celebration of love, with many already buying bouquets of roses and the all-important Valentine’s Day card.
Traditionally, a popular Scottish custom was for young unwed men and women to write their names on bits of paper, place them in a bonnet or a hat, and wait for each person to draw one name out. If the name was read out three times, it meant a marriage would take place.
Scots also express their undying love by sending anonymous cards to someone they admire with a special message or poem hidden inside.
Romantic Roaming in a Highland Wonderland
With our top suggestions of wonderfully evocative Highland walks, as well as recent snowfall making things all the more picturesque, true love might just be in the air.
Here is a pick of just some of Scotland’s most romantic walks in and around our stunning Highlands region.
Highlands Glen Affric
Glen Affric, home to the third largest area of ancient Caledonian pinewoods in Scotland, is a place where time seems to have stopped, where the human presence is less felt. So, what better place to go if you want to feel awe at nature, and that there’s only you and your lover in all the world? This is the setting of Landseer’s painting Monarch of the Glen. Standing in the presence of a forest this old does something to your sense of time and perspective.
Clackmannanshire: Dollar Glen
The path takes you up through woodlands, past the Burns of Care and Sorrow, which plunge down tumbling waterfalls. Overlooking this peaceful glen stand the ruins of Castle Campbell, the 15th-century stronghold of Clan Campbell. Dollar Glen has been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest, due to its habitats and geology and it stands as a beautiful sanctuary, tucked away in the shadow of the Ochils.
Angus: House of Dun and Montrose Basin Nature Reserve
Montrose Basin is a short distance from the house and offers further spectacular walks for visitors. The tidal basin, which makes up part of the estuary of the River South Elk, is home to over 80,000 migratory birds and you should keep an eye open for otters, roe deer and red squirrels along the way.
Aberdeenshire: Drum Castle
One of Scotland’s oldest tower houses is surrounded by sprawling grounds and the Old Wood of Drum, which has oak trees dating from the 1700s. The Royal Forest and Tower of Drum were given to the former owners, the Irvine family, by Robert the Bruce in 1323 and it is a property closely connected with the Jacobite story. When walking the ancient oak forest, you may be lucky enough to spot wildlife, such as red kites, roe deer, red squirrels and badgers.
Argyll and Bute: Crarae Garden
This is one of the jewels of Argyll and Bute and the finest example of a Himalayan-style garden in the UK. The peaceful paradise has a gorge, rippling burn, waterfalls and cliffs and has a different look all year round as each new season brings fresh blooms. Crarae Garden is open daily, and an accessible toilet is available at the property.
Perth and Kinross: The Hermitage
Visitors can stroll beneath giant Douglas firs, among the biggest trees in Britain, along the river Braan, past the Ossian’s Hall folly and look out over the crashing Black Linn Falls. And there is adventure in the woods, too; keep an eye open for the ‘hidden’ totem pole, tucked away behind the trees.
Shaken, Stirred… Served
Whether you’re a connoisseur or beginner, these Edinburgh Gin creations are sure to be the toast of Valentine’s Day.
Edinburgh Gin is distilled in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, taking inspiration from the blend of contemporary and historic traditions and creativity that surrounds it. This has led to a new generation of flavoured Scottish gins that have taken a taste of Edinburgh to the world. Here’s a selection of romantic cocktails you can prepare at home.
East Coast Negroni
“Breathe new life into this classic aperitif, with the briny botanicals of our Seaside Fin and a hint of grapefruit to tempt the taste buds.”
Ingredients:
- 25ml Seaside Gin
- 25ml Suze Liqueur
- 25ml Campari
- 3 dashes of grapefruit bitters
- Sea salt & rosemary to garnish
First Kiss
“A velvety sipper with tropical notes, finishing with a sweet, fruity kiss.”
Ingredients:
- 35ml Valentine’s Gin
- 15ml Raspberry liqueur
- 60ml pineapple juice
- Fresh raspberry for garnish
Raspberry Sparkler
“Bursting with the freshest raspberries for a taste of spring sunshine!”
Ingredients:
- 50ml Raspberry Gin
- 25ml simple syrup
- 25ml lemon juice
- 25ml raspberry puree
- Soda
- Raspberries
Raise a glass to Valentine’s Day with one of these Scottish cocktails! Set the mood even more with our February Heart in the Highlands WeeSounds playlist.
WeeBox is the original Scottish subscription box and the perfect-last minute gift for the Scot or Scot-lover in your life this Valentine’s Day!
