Revs and romance!
How to set your Valentine’s heart racing this year
STRUGGLING for ideas on the perfect treat as Valentine’s Day approaches? If you fancy something a bit different to set the heart racing then the thrills and spills of rallying can offer a real adrenaline kick.
The Grant Construction Rally Stages at Knockhill Racing Circuit, near Fife, launches the new season on February 12 with a unique, single venue rally spectacular featuring some of Scotland’s leading crews and cars – so don’t hesitate to book your tickets.
For those who seek a more tranquil setting, explore beautiful gardens across Scotland and witness carpets of snowdrops during the Scottish Snowdrop Festival. Dawyck and Edinburgh Botanic Gardens are open throughout February with many seasonal highlights and special sights to see around the grounds.
Or why not venture to the Dark Sky Park in Dumfries & Galloway for a romantic night of stargazing at Valentine’s Ast-Romance? Spend the evening of February 14 with your loved one at the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, near Dalmellington, from 8pm and look through the telescopes to see the brightest stars in the sky.
You can also attend a presentation and look at images of some romantically named nebulae and constellations in our night skies. Find out more at scottishdark skyobservatory.co.uk/events/ valentines-ast-romance/
In Perthshire, take a romantic stroll along the banks of the illuminated River Tay as part of the Norie-Miller Walk Light Night this weekend, or on Valentine’s Day look out for the special warming Valentine’s theme, with sparkling wine, chocolate and food on offer on site, as well as fire shows, stilt walkers and circus performances to keep you entertained.
Looking for date ideas and love the planet? At St Andrews until February 13 is the St Andrews Green Film Festival. The packed programme will take on the challenging topics of climate change, global warming and the environment, with the aim of raising awareness through inspiring and world-changing films.
Still looking for that perfect gift and love gin? Then head to Eden Mill near St Andrews and pick up some of their famous Love Pink Gin, or take a tour to hear about the art of gin making. There will also be pop-up shops at local farmers’ markets on February 11, 12 and 18 in Forfar, Edinburgh and Dundee, respectively, so pick up some delicious produce for the perfect romantic meal.
How about a bit of culture? The McManus Art Gallery and Museum in Dundee is hosting a free exhibition, A Sense of Place, which explores how Scottish artists have been influenced by the world around them through beautiful and dynamic paintings.
The exhibition includes work from the Glasgow Boys, the Scottish Colourists, James McIntosh Patrick and Joan Eardley.
Venture to Sango Bay in Durness, where you can enjoy a romantic stroll along the beach with golden sands, rocky formations and plenty of sheltered outcrops. After your scenic walk, why not warm up inside at one of the local restaurants and cafés.
More ideas at: visitscotland. com/holidays-breaks/romantic