February 14th - a date some of you will look forward
to with great anticipation, while others would prefer to erase it
from the calendar altogether. Whatever your feelings about St
Valentine’s Day and the slushy sentiment it generates, it’s a great
excuse to break up the monotony of the week by getting out and
doing something with your Tuesday evening. As ever, Edinburgh has
lots to offer even the most ardent anti-Valentiners among us.
There are Edinburgh Valentines events
beginning on Friday the 10th of Feb, running right
through the day itself to the weekend of the 18th and
19th, so plenty to choose from. Below is a selection of
the more interesting activities on offer.
Make like Edinburgh’s hottest couple and
hang out at
the zoo this Valentines. Tickets to visit giant pandas Tian
Tian and Yang Guang are currently still available for February
14th. It’s worth noting that spring heralds the panda’s
short mating period of 2-3 days. (Booking is essential.) Also enter
the Zoo's Facebook competition where you can
win a 'Valentines Weekend Break'.
Also at the zoo are Edinburgh’s famous
penguins. At this time of year the gentoos are beginning to think
about nesting, which is one of the most endearing romantic
processes in the animal kingdom. Male gentoos offer up pebbles to
their desired mate; if the pebble isn’t good enough she’s not
interested! Several pebbles later the relationship is cemented and
the nest building begins, not without drama. With the males left to
line the nests, they often resort to pinching the best pebbles from
their neighbour’s nests!
If you’re looking for a new experience, take a
trip on the Orient
Express Northern Belle on February 18th. Leaving
from Edinburgh and travelling on a circular route through the
scenic Scottish countryside, you can enjoy a luxurious lunch
complete with champagne.
On February 10th, Missy Malone and
friends return to the Voodoo Rooms with a Valentines special
Burlesque Revue. The show features glamour, comedy and music for a
spectacular night out in vintage style. Every previous show has
sold out, so get your tickets now at http://missymalone.eventbrite.com/
Single and looking? Spend the evening of
Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh at Cargo. The bar is hosting a
speed dating event on the 14th. When better to meet
the man or woman of your dreams than on St Valentines Day?
If you’re under 16, we haven’t forgotten about
you. Forth One is throwing the biggest under 16’s party in Scotland
at Silk nightclub on Friday 10th February. Featuring DJ
sets from Mark Martin and Krystle, tickets are available from the
station’s reception on Forth Street.
Perhaps you’d prefer to adopt the Finnish
celebration of February 14th, “Friend’s Day”
(Ystävänpäivä) during which you celebrate all of your
friends rather than that special someone. If that’s the case,
ladies Ghillie Dhu has
something special on for you. Pamper yourself, this Valentine’s Day
in Edinburgh, with cocktails and cupcakes while enjoying a range of
exhibitors including hair demonstrations and advice on fashion and
skincare. Prizes for the raffle and silent auction will be handed
out by rugby players… (Information and tickets are available
by calling 0131 222 9930. Proceeds to charity.)
Many of Edinburgh’s great attractions have
events on:
Opening on February 11th at the
National Museum of Scotland,
Fascinating Mummies features treasures from the Egyptology
collection at the National Museum of Antiquities in the
Netherlands. This is the only opportunity to see the exhibition in
the UK. (charges apply)
Amber restaurant at the
Scotch Whisky Experience is offering an exclusive Valentines
dining event for couples, “Amber in the Attic”. Featuring champagne
on arrival, a sumptuous meal in the Castlehill Room and a private
viewing of the world’s largest collection of Scotch Whiskies,
tickets are £38 per person and can be booked by calling 0131 220
0441.
View the full menu.
Camera Obscura is open till
8pm between the 11th and 19th of Feb. One of
Edinburgh’s most fun attractions with plenty to see, do and
interact with, where better to break the ice on a first date? And
if it’s not going so well there’s always the severed head
exhibit…
2012 is a leap year and tradition dictates
it’s acceptable for a lady to propose to her beloved. Edinburgh
Castle can help you plan the perfect proposal in the historic
Argyle Tower, which features views over the city. Various
flowers and fizz options are available to help you celebrate
when he says yes.
If you’re keen to start planning your wedding
upon his acceptance, the castle is hosting a wedding fayre on the
weekend of the 18th and 19th February. To
register your interest in viewing the facilities contact hs.weddings@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Finally, from 1100 - 1800 on the 14th, BT with show Valentines
messages, using Edinburgh's Big Screen situated in
Festival Square. Romantics are asked to email their
'loving lines' with location to livesites@bt.com, or tweet them
with the hash tag #loveisallaround and location or text them
to 83310 starting with LOVE and ending with your 120 character
Valentine message plus location. Messages are open for entries
from Thursday, February 9, if you want to keep it secret until the
day, it's best to email. BT advise 'Keep the message short –
maximum 120 characters – but feel free to include your story – as
it’ll definitely help us choose.'
