66 | February 2012 | woman this month Travel The low-down: In Scotland, there is a little traditional gathering, hosted in certain circles, during which an equal number of unmarried males and females write their name on a piece of paper, which is then folded and placed into a hat, one for the ladies and one for the men. They then draw a name from the opposite gender’s hats. It is usually expected that the male partners with the female who selected his name. This rite having been completed, the company split up into couples and gifts are given to the ladies. The females then pin the name of their partner over their hearts or on their sleeves. A dance often follows and, at the end of the festival, it is not unusual for marriages to take place. X-factor: Another very important and enthusiastically followed tradition is the search of a date. According to this Scottish custom, the first young man or woman encountered on the street or elsewhere on this day becomes his or her Valentine and the day is celebrated with them. Best for: Scotland’s reputation for romantic venues is already well known throughout the world, especially the small village of Gretna Green, which is famous as a place for romantic weddings. It is the first village over the Scottish border on the road from England to Glasgow. It is particularly renowned for being the place where young English elope. It is also believed that the remains of St Valentine are in the church of Blessed St John Duns Scotus in Glasgow, a little-known fact that has led it to styling itself as the “city of love” in recent years. Scotland All-Aboard the Romance Train There are romantic getaways and then there are places that treat Valentine’s Day like the celebration it is supposed to be — a festival of love. Here are three destinations that have some interesting traditions worth being a part of. Elma Bartholomew
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