By Sarah Moyes
Everyone has something to say about Valentines Day! Whether you’re a girl who waits for a dozen red roses each year, or you’re a guy who wishes the holiday would disappear into a black hole with the other card shop holidays. Whatever fence you sit on, there’s no denying that the holiday is a big event each year. So this year, why not try something different? Escape the usual routine of overseas city breaks and head on a romantic village break in Scotland. Here’s a list of some of the best places to take a quiet weekend this Valentine’s Day.
North Berwick
At 25 miles east of Edinburgh, North Berwick is the just a short journey away from Scotland’s Capital. The best way to get there is by train not only because it’s a short journey but the views along the east coast are quite amazing, and even a little romantic. If you are into sports you can go golfing, sailing or fishing but don’t worry if you’re not a giant sports fan like me, you can visit some castles and enjoy some great home cooked food in some of the pubs and restaurants dotted around the area. The area also boosts one of Scotland’s few five star attractions – The Scottish Seabird Centre overlooks the sea and islands of the Forth and makes for a great relaxing day out.
Dunkeld
Dunkeld is the place for book lovers to go. Head north out of Edinburgh and it won’t be long before you come across this picturesque Perthshire village, located just a few miles away from the Fair City itself. Surrounded by miles of beautiful countryside there is plenty for outdoor enthusiasts, while nostalgia fans will be pleased to know it has strong ties with Beatrix Potter and her first book ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit’. The famous Hilton Dunkeld House & Country club is based on a summer house by the 6th Duke of Atholl and is home to a Potter memorial. The writer spent much time here writing her Peter Rabbit stories. If rabbits aren’t your idea of romance then maybe Shakespeare is? Why not head into the Perthshire’s Big Tree Country and discover the woods named by the man himself in one of his most famous plays – Macbeth.
Findhorn
If you have a bit more time and fancy a trip further north then Findhorn is the place to go. Located right beside the sea, it’s the perfect fishing village. If you’re feeling extra romantic you can go for a stroll along Findhorn’s beach where it’s not uncommon to find seals lounging around, you might even see some dolphins if you’re lucky. While the area has a bit of a special microclimate making it oddly warm, it’s still probably too cold to think about getting in the water. Eating lots of seafood and drinking in one of the area’s many fantastic pubs is a must here; though those with the stomach for the sea may even take a small boat into the bay in an attempt to catch your own.
