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Romantic Selections
Home - About the UK - Tourism - Selections - Here
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Scotland - the Land of the Great Romantic Heroes
Scotland - the land which throughout the centuries has been the inspiration of passionate endeavours and passionate romance. Take great figures like William Wallace, the warrior Braveheart, or the notorious Rob Roy MacGregor - depictions of both in recent movies have caused even modern day women to swoon! Our most famous and tragic queen, Mary Queen of Scots, certainly suffered for her passions, while Scotland's most famous poet, Robert Burns, was moved to write some of the finest romantic lyrics the world has ever read. Why not visit and see if the magic of Scotland does not inspire you to great passions too!
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Magic Moments in Scotland's Romantic Retreats
When Madonna chose the Scottish Highlands for her wedding to Guy Ritchie, she merely confirmed what we already knew - Scotland is the quintessential romantic destination! From remote island hideaways to castle hotels with four poster beds, roaring log fires and breathtaking views - even romantic rail journeys second to none - Scotland is the place to share special moments with that special someone in your life. And if marriage is what you have in mind, you don't have to be the queen of pop to be queen (and king) of the castle on your big day. In Scotland, you'll find a beguiling range of unusual, distinguished and historic venues for a truly fairytale wedding.
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Set Sail for Island Romance
If you are looking for the ultimate antidote to stress - time to relax, chill out and reconnect - then Scotland's islands are the perfect romantic escape. Choose just one island, say Islay, and settle back to enjoy the fabled Islay Malts. Or embark on an island-hopping adventure and marvel at the breathtaking beaches of Harris and the magical standing stones of Lewis. Time it right and take in the traditional music and seafood festivals which take place across the islands. Savor the distinctive character of each individual island. Enjoy a gentler pace of life.
Gretna Green - A Story of Romance
When people hear the name Gretna Green their thoughts often step back in time to the history of runaway marriages. The Old Blacksmith's Shop is at the heart of this fascinating tradition. Runaway marriages began in 1754 when an Act was passed which stated that if both parties to a marriage were not at least 21 years old then consent to the marriage had to be given by the parents.
This Act did not apply in Scotland, where it was, and still is, possible to get married at 16 years old, with or without parental consent.This led to many "elopers" fleeing England and their angry parents to get married in Scotland.
Gretna Green was the first village they would have arrived at. The Blacksmith's Shop, the focal point of the village became the centre of the marriage trade. The Blacksmith's Anvil thus became the symbol of runaway weddings as not only were metals joined together on the heat of the fire but couples were also joined in marriage in the heat of the moment.
The Gretna Green Story - The Legend Lives On
The Blacksmith's Shop, built around 1712, was opened to the public for the first time in 1886. No stop at Gretna Green would be complete without a visit. As you step inside the Award winning Gretna Green Story Exhibition, imagine the hopes and fears of the young elopers as they plan their daring dash. Will the marriage take place without bloodshed? Will the angry father arrive in time to stop the marriage? Soak up the atmosphere and the sounds of the building that has seen so much and has so much to tell.
Following recent law changes, it is once again possible to have the legal wedding ceremony here, and more and more couples are benefitting from this. The wheel has thus turned full circle.To complete your visit you can become part of the legend and take part in an anvil wedding ceremony or have your wedding vows blessed in this most romantic of buildings.
Unique Venues For You to Get Married In!
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Tie The Knot on Camusdarach Beach
You can now be married on the beach where Gollie took his new lady-love in 'Monarch of the Glen' and right beside where Ben (Fulton Mackay) lived in his upturned boat among the rocks in the film 'Local Hero'. The location has magnificent sunsets and views over to the Small Isles. It is situated near Morar and Arisaig on the scenic Road to the Isles.
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Cairngorm Mountains
The highest restaurant in Britain, The Ptarmigan, located on 3,600 feet in the Cairngoms is a spectacular venue for your wedding reception. Where else will you find such a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos?!
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Loch Lomond Seaplanes
Scotland's first commercial seaplane service. The abundance of lochs and natural harbours in Scotland make the seaplane the natural choice for transportation. The flexibility of Loch Lomond Seaplanes to set down on both land and water makes it easier to reach even the remotest parts of Scotland.
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RRS Discovery
Captain Scott's famous polar exploration ship Discovery is available for hire for civil and religious weddings. The Bride and Groom are married on the Bridge in the company of friends and family and RRS Discovery provides the ideal backdrop for wedding photographs. With spectacular views over the River Tay and unusual locations above and below deck, you are guaranteed one of the most individual wedding albums ever.
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Ice rink weddings will melt hearts
The bride and groom may get cold feet - but the wedding will be one to remember! Dumfries and Galloway Council have granted the North West Castle Hotel in Stranraer a licence to hold marriage ceremonies on its indoor ice rink. Built in 1820 on the shores of Loch Ryan for Arctic explorer Sir John Ross, the North West Castle was the first hotel in the world to have its own indoor curling rink and attracts curlers from all over the globe from October to April. The rink is overlooked by the Alpine restaurant, viewing lounge and bar.
www.road-to-the-isles.org.uk
www.cairngormmountain.com
www.lochlomondseaplanes.com
ww.rrsdiscovery.com
www.northwestcastle.co.uk
