Six last-minute Valentine's Day escapes in Scotland

Fasque Castle, Fettercairn, Aberdeenshire

Romantics can get a special sneaky peak at Fasque Castle this Saturday.

Once the home of former prime minister William Gladstone and a favoured stop-off of Queen Victoria, Fasque is hidden deep in the Aberdeenshire countryside.

Normally, only those attending a special event or wedding are able to enjoy this ample Victorian mansion.

But on Saturday, for one night only, lovebirds are being invited to stay in one of its 19 castle rooms or a cosy cottage in the 400-acre grounds.

Guests will be invited for champagne and canapés in the main hall before sitting down to a three-course meal.

A night cap in one of the lounges – where the real fire will be set - will round off the night in fine fashion.

In the morning, 400-acres of grounds – home to a herd of deer – are ready to be explored.

Dinner can also be booked for non-residents this weekend.

Fasque House Estate, Fettercairn, Laurencekirk, AB30 1DN, 01561 340223, www.fasquecastle.com

Royal an Lochan, Tighnabruaich, Argyll

Revitalise your romance with fresh air, sea breezes and some glorious views down in Argyll.

Royal an Lochan at Tighnabruaich is known for its great getaways, where the food and wine are just right and the surrounds hard to leave.

There is some availablility left for this Valentine’s weekend. Guests are invited for two nights, starting either Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Couples can enjoy a sharing menu on one night, with the local seafood destined to be the star of the show. An a la carte meal can be enjoyed on the second.

Rooms with sea views overlooking the Kyles of Bute are available.

Dinner, bed and breakfast for two nights, £295 per couple. Includes a £120 meal allowance towards dinner.

Royal an Lochan, Shore Road, Tighnabruaich, PA21 2BE, 01700 811239, www.theroyalanlochan.co.uk

The Pierhouse, Port Appin, Argyll

Fall in love all over again in Port Appin as The Pierhouse offers a true getaway amid the startling scenery of the west coast.

It’s one of those spots in Scotland that can’t fail to move you with its views from the hotel reaching over to Lismore and Mull ahead.

The mood for Valentine’s will be further set at the hotel’s AA Rosetted Restaurant, where guests over the weekend can enjoy a special menu that includes monkfish, venison and seafood pulled from the surrounding waters.

Rooms from £105 to £190 on Friday and Sunday. Valentine’s dinner £35pp for three courses and £28 for two.

The Pierhouse Hotel and Seafood Restaurant, Pier House, Appin, PA38 4DE, 01631 730302. www.pierhousehotel.co.uk

Hotel du Vin, St Andrews, Fife

It has beaches, history, and, in Hotel du Vin, elegance – St Andrews could provide a perfect romantic backdrop this weekend. Hotel du Vin has Valentine’s packages remaining with guests invited to enjoy the weekend in this traditional stone and slate hotel which overlooks St Andrew’s Bay, West Sands beach and the first tee on the Old Course.

A special Valentine’s menu is available over the weekend.

Valentines package of dinner, bed and breakfast plus a glass of fizz priced between £258 on Friday and £333 on Saturday, per couple.

Hotel du Vin, 40 The Scores, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AS, 01334 845313, www.hotelduvin.com

Loch Lomond Arms Hotel, Luss

The rooms here are true country chic, recently furnished in a contemoprary heritage style with arts and crafts wallpapers and four poster beds creating a romantic and cosy mood.

Nestled down in the village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond, guests can also enjoy a warm and friendly bar, where sometimes an acoustic guitar can be heard above the amiable chatter.

Fine dining is also part of the picture here. While there is no Valentine’s set menu this weekend, there will be some loved-themed specials to enjoy.

Bed and breakfast is £150 per couple. Limited availability on Saturday.

Loch Lomond Arms Hotel, Main Road, Luss, G83 8NY, 01436 860420, www.lochlomondarmshotel.com

Fonab Castle Hotel, Pitlochry

This hotel stands splendidly on the outskirts of pretty Pitlochry, overlooking Loch Faskaly in the shadows of Ben Vrackie. Settings don’t come much more dramatic than this.

This Baronial pile offers comfort deep in Highland Perthshire, where traditional luxury meets modern conveniences. You can relax in its spa and swimming pool, or you could exert yourself on glorious walking and driving routes around nearby Loch Tummel and Loch Rannoch.

For the serious romantics amongst you, a night in the penthouse this weekend comes with champagne, chocolate-dipped strawberries, oysters and a rose petal turndown.

Dog lovers won’t be disappointed either – the hotel offers heated kennels.

Dinner, bed and breakfast in Penthouse with full Valentine’s package costs £770 on Friday or £460 in a signature room. Package available throughout February.

Dinner, bed and breakfast from £220 to £465 per couple.

Fonab Castle Hotel, Foss Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5ND, 01796 470140, www.fonabcastlehotel.com.