Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 9 on 20/7/2003.

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Love at first sight

MADONNA’S WEDDING IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BROUGHT TO A WORLDWIDE AUDIENCE WHAT MANY OF US HAVE KNOWN FOR SOME TIME – SCOTLAND IS A PRIME SPOT FOR A ROMANTIC GETAWAY, BY DANNY BLYTH

It’s not just the discreet castles like that chosen by Madonna where she was so desperately seeking seclusion, nor even those set by lochs, nor those by the sea. Rather more of Scotland’s appeal to lovers of all ages comes from the lack of castles in the air. What the country offers first and foremost is a certain down-to-earth ambience through its people, who, being romantic souls themselves at heart, are especially welcoming to couples seeking some quality time together.

Ally this human factor to much dramatic as well as gentle scenery, including breathtakingly beautiful beaches for long walks hand-in-hand, and you have a winning combination by any standards. The fact that so much of the country is unspoiled and that places of special interest are free from blights like burger vans and tatty souvenir shops makes for the perfect setting for love to flourish.

As with many things Scottish, there’s always an added dimension from history. Stroll around fetching old Edinburgh and you’ll be seduced by a romantic air, and also bear in mind that two of her more famous sons, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Robert Louis Stevenson, both left this place in order to run off scandalously with older, previously married women. Drop into romantic pubs like the Lord Darnley (to be reminded of the affairs of Mary Queen of Scots) or Clarinda’s (to evoke memories of just one of Robert Burns’ many affairs with the ladies.

Oh, Burns! Now there truly was a romantic. Though not quite in the Casanova .....

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By Danny Blyth

Section : Scottish Weddings

Page number : 36