Romantic breaks in Scotland

A host of celebrities have recognised Scotland as the perfect place to get married, including Madonna and Guy Ritchie in the Highlands, Stella McCartney and Alasdhair Willis on the Isle of Bute and just last year (2011) Zara Philips and Mike Tindall in Edinburgh. 2012 is a leap year, and legend is that the leap year tradition of women proposing to their loved ones on 29th February began in Scotland and any man who declines a proposal in a leap year must pay a fine of a kiss, payment for a silk dress or a pair of gloves.

 

Below is a list of surprising places in Scotland that could just be the perfect place to ‘pop the question’ this February.

 

Corsewall House Hotel, Dumfries and Galloway

Corsewall Lighthouse in Scotland dates back to 1815 and is still a fully functional lighthouse, but it's also a four-star hotel. The romantic Lighthouse Suite has its own sea-facing conservatory almost right on the rocks.

Packages start from £115 per person per night including dinner, bed and breakfast.

 

Dalhousie Castle and Spa, Lothians
Take advantage of the luxury surroundings of this 13th century castle while been pampered in the spa or relaxing in the lush surroundings of your en suite bedroom. A rich tapestry of arts and culture and recent extensive renovation has created 27 beautiful bedrooms. These are decorated in Scottish design fabrics such as tweed, tartan and twill. Period furniture, rugs and carpets combine to create a richly warm and luxurious feel that’s deeply relaxing and truly welcoming.

 

Isle of Harris beaches, Outer Hebrides

The beaches on the Isle of Harris – one of the six main islands of the Outer Hebrides – are so clean and white you’ll have to consult your map to make sure you’re still in Scotland. Ivory sands that stretch for miles against a rolling backdrop of dramatic cliffs – there is no better place for romantic relaxation than here.

 

At the Harris Hotel a warm welcome awaits visitors. The hotel has been family owned and run for over 100 years. Situated in Tarbert, the hotel is the ideal base from which to tour Harris, Lewis and the other islands. Standard double rooms are available from £45 per person bed and breakfast.

 

Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island, Argyll
This remote and beautiful hotel is located on its own private island. Offering luxury 5-star accommodation, this tranquil getaway provides spa treatments, on site 3 AAA Rosetta dinning, private golf and stunning scenery. 

A couples spa getaway in January, February or March , will cost £892.80 for 2 people for 2 nights. For B&B only, prices start at £345 per room per night.

 

Kilcamb Lodge, Argyll

Award winning Kilcamb is idyllically positioned on the shores of Loch Sunart in 22 acres of private grounds. Kilcamb Lodge offers luxurious accommodation, stunning views and total peace and tranquillity. Log fires and a candle-lit dining room combine to offer a quintessentially romantic dining experience.

Double rooms start from £170 per night dinner, bed and breakfast for 2 people.

 

Mackay's Croft 103, Highlands   

Situated in Scotland's rugged North West Highlands and ideal doe the eco-conscious visitor that wants to indulge in luxurious escapism in a remote setting, Mackay's Croft 103 is a 5 star self catering accommodation on the shore of Loch Eriboll.  They offer two separate Highland retreats, the Hill Dwelling and the Shore Dwelling.  Both provide visitors with a fully equipped kitchen, deluxe bathroom suite, home entertainment system, Wi-Fi, lounge and dining room, as well as spectacular views accompanied with a rare feeling of freedom and complete privacy.

In the winter short breaks cost £220 per night (minimum 3 nights).

 

Monachyle Mhor Hotel - The Lovestruck, Perthshire

The Lovestruck, a converted horse truck on a camping tour of the nation, and has settled in another fine location on the banks of Loch Voil, by the incredible Monachyle Mhor Hotel. The interior is an eclectic mixture of showman's wagon, Gypsy caravan and country cottage, but guests at this stop of the Lovestruck tour have an unparalleled food experience on offer. 

The Lovestuck is available from £250 for two nights.

 

Prestonfield House, Edinburgh

Prestonfield is one of Edinburgh's most luxurious 5-star hotels with 23 stylishly lavish rooms and suites. Opulence, theatre and luxury are combined at Prestonfield House, with quirky and stylish reworking of the historic century mansion. In addition to the dramatic bedrooms and sumptuous suites, there is Rhubarb restaurant alongside a collection of stunning private dining rooms, luxurious salons and historic public rooms, perfect for a romantic night. On selected dates in February Prestonfield is offering a luxurious room, three course a la carte dinner in Rhubarb, and a complimentary bottle of Champagne for £295 per couple.

 

Pool House Hotel, Highlands

Pool House in picturesque Ross-Shire in the Scottish Highlands situated with a backdrop of mountains is ideal for the couple that wants to sneak away for a quiet weekend in the wilderness. Rooms have varying themes but all scream luxury and comfort, the library drawing room is a traditional Victorian parlour with a beautiful marble fireplace situated feet from the water's edge. Suites are available from £295 per night.

 

Rufflets Country House Hotel, Fife

Rufflets Country House Hotel is one of the oldest country house hotels in Scotland. The idyllic turreted mansion is set in 10 acres of award-winning gardens a five minute drive from the centre of St. Andrews. Couples can explore the historical town and the quaint fishing villages in East Neuk before returning to the hotel for a pre dinner drink in front of the fire in one of the public rooms.

Rufflets is offering a special Valentines Break package from £135 per person per night including dinner, breakfast, champagne on arrival and gift baskets.

 

Shetland Fudge, Shetland

Perfect for a total chocoholic, Shetland Fudge is a small family business, making handmade fudge and truffles on the remote Shetland Islands in the North Atlantic. Visitors to the shop can enjoy watching a variety of fudge, Scottish tablet, chocolates and sweets handmade in front of them as well as taste many of the treats on offer. Using the finest ingredients, local produce wherever possible, Shetland Fudge is the only chocolatier and fudgemaker in Shetland, creating by hand additive-free recipes.

 

Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire
Turnberry offers a spectacular romantic coastal setting with breathtaking views of the dramatic Ailsa Craig and the Irish Sea.  Guests can relax in the hotel spa or enjoy one of the many activities on offer including falconry, walking tours of the grounds or a round of golf on one of the resort’s three courses. In the evening indulge in a gourmet dinner in the fine dining 1906 restaurant or an intimate dining experience in The James Miller Room, with a grand fireplace and an emphasis on locally sourced food. Finish off the evening by taking in the panoramic views from the Ailsa Bar and Lounge and watch the sun sinking over the Ailsa Craig.