A fine romance: Scots locations you’ll love to visit for a Valentine’s getaway

Enjoy a romantic stroll along Luskentyre Sands, on the Isle of Harris

With more couples than ever before choosing to tie the knot in Scotland, there has never been a better time for a romantic getaway.

From jaw-dropping vistas and cosy hideaway nooks, to luxurious castle stays, Scotland ticks all the boxes for the perfect romantic trip – there is something to suit every couple.

Romantic locations

Said to be named after Queen Victoria following her 1866 visit, The Queen’s View is one of the most photographed areas in Scotland. Soak in the Perthshire forests and woodlands and enjoy the vista over Loch Tummel – a view truly fit for royalty. Stay at the UK’s first vegan hotel, the Saorsa in nearby Pitlochry.
The Outer Hebrides boasts miles of unspoilt, white sands and crystal-clear waters. On Harris, walk along the Caribbean-like Luskentyre Sands, named one of the best beaches in the UK. Nearby is the island of Taransay, famous for the BBC show Castaway, with dramatic hills and gorgeous sand dunes. You’ll fall in love with the cottages at The Sheep Station close by.
Take a trip to one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, Eilean Donan, which sits on its own little island, overlooking the Isle of Skye.
Hop over to Raasay, a short ferry ride from Skye and a truly romantic and wild place. Stay at Raasay House, a beautiful and historic hotel which offers an abundance of activities for couples.

Cosy getaways

Cook a delicious meal for someone special using the very finest ingredients with the help of Ballintaggart Farm’s Cook School in Grandtully, near Pitlochry.
Choose from a range of classes and courses, then enjoy a delicious meal and sneak away to a cosy farmhouse room complete with outdoor terrace and firepit overlooking the Perthshire countryside.
Nestled near Dunblane is Craighead Farm, home to Craighead Howf, a handcrafted and luxury glamping provider for adults only. Accommodation ranges from quirky, Hobbit-like huts and summerhouses to treehouses and even cottages complete with hot tub, sauna and whisky lounge.
Based in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park beside the Fhuarian burn, the Woodman’s Hut comes complete with stargazing roof, peat-fired chimenea burner, eco-hot tub and gorgeous views. These little cottages make for the perfect escape with that someone special.
Live it up like royalty at Glenapp Castle on the Ayrshire coast. The luxury Scottish Baronial-style castle is complete with turrets and towers set on 36 acres of beautifully restored gardens with spellbinding views of the Isle of Arran. With 17 beautiful guest rooms, an award-winning restaurant and even bespoke Hebridean Sea Safari and glamping experiences, Glenapp truly is an exclusive experience.

The iconic Queen’s View over Loch Tummel

Date nights to remember

Have a romantic night stargazing at The Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, or catch glimpses of green, red and purple hues of the aurora borealis dancing in the sky on one of Scotland’s northern islands.
Glasgow is home to venues such as The SSE Hydro, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and the Barrowland Ballroom and there are brilliant gigs and shows to enjoy across the city every day.
Board the Jacobite Steam Train to be whisked through the romantic scenery of the West Highlands. From Fort William to Mallaig, discover Ben Nevis, Glenfinnan and Arisaig and take in the lochs, glens, rivers and mountains. What a way to discover the Highlands with a loved one.
Go classic with dinner and a movie at The Scotsman Picturehouse on Edinburgh’s North Bridge. The package includes a glass of fizz and two-course meal at the brasserie restaurant. The Grand Café and a heartwarming movie you can cuddle up with afterwards – perfect for a cosy date.

Say: “aye do”

Enjoy 5-star hospitality with Highland Safaris. You’ll be whisked away to the top of a 1,600ft mountain overlooking the Appin Valley and, after saying the all-important: “I do”, enjoy some of the finest Scottish fare, whiskies and traditional music, and dance the night away.
Experience a real-life Outlander wedding in Dundas Castle’s Auld Keep, South Queensferry, complete with a piper, medieval banquet and a gifted replica of Claire’s ring by jeweller Hamilton & Young. The wedding breakfast is served in the castle’s Stag Chamber. Late, whiskies are shared with guests before an evening of fireworks and ceilidh dancing.

For more inspiration, head to visitscotland.com

P.S. Where better to take a sweetheart than Sweetheart Abbey? Named Dulce Cor (sweet heart) by monks, the beautiful red-sandstone ruin sits in New Abbey, near Dumfries.