Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 23 on 14/10/2005.

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A Lovers Kingdom

Where would you go for a romantic break in Scotland? Christopher Fisher picks some of the best places

Forget Paris, Glasgow is historically the city of love, as the remains of Saint Valentine, martyred in 269AD, were said to have been brought to Blessed St John Duns Scotus in the Gorbals by a Franciscan monk. So with Scotland being the world’s capital of romance, what locations make up the ultimate top 10 of romantic locations?

10. THE WEDDING RING
Lochgoilhead, Argyll
This is the perfect place for romance to blossom, as white stones mark out the outline of a heartshaped wedding ring. It is at this spot that the gypsies of Argyll are said to have held their wedding ceremonies. To feel the love, step in to the centre of the ring and listen to many a love story. Well that’s what they say, if you are quiet enough, you should hear many ‘I dos’ from yesterday’s lovers.

9. GRETNA GREEN
Dumfries and Galloway
The Marriage Act 1754 constituted the heart of controversy in England, making marriage without parental consent illegal under 21 years old. Scottish law differed, allowing Scots to marry at 16 without consent. Because the town was located on the old coaching London to Edinburgh route and the first village once across the border, couples came here to marry in secret. The anvil has become the symbol of Gretna Green weddings because blacksmith priests conducted the ceremonies in the blacksmith’s shop. Weddings are big business in Gretna; last year up to 5,000 couples married here.

8. GLASGOW BOTANICAL GARDEN
730 Great Western Road, Hillhead, Glasgow, Clyde Valley
The Botanical G.....

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By Christopher Fisher

Section : Scottish Destinations

Page number : 24