Originally a Chistian feast day to honour the martyr Saint Valentine, it’s long been taken over by folk tradition to become a day of love.
What we now know as Valentine’s Day started in 15th-century France where the occasion was marked with singing and dancing.
The now-familiar custom of sending cards, flowers, chocolates started in the UK, with the first pre-printed cards being sold in the late 18th century.
It wasn't until the 20th century that Valentine’s Day became a major commercial event – notably when the Hallmark greetings card company started mass-producing cards in 1913.
Here are 21 pictures of how Valentine’s Day has been celebrated in Scotland in years past.
17. Making a big show
A model promotes the Scottish Wedding Show at the SEC in Glasgow on Valentine's Day 2022. Photo: Jeff Holmes JSHPIX
18. A real card
A Valentine's Card design at Dundee's Valentine and Sons Ltd in 1960. Photo: Unknown
19. Display of affection
A Valentine's Day display at Complete Health, on Linlithgow High Street, in 2019. Photo: Contributed
20. Man and wife
Michael Lewis and Rebecca Anderson get married at the Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop on Valentine's Day 2013. Photo: Jeff J Mitchell