With the festive mood, twinkling Christmas lights, and that unmistakable romantic feeling in the air, many find themselves inspired to ask that all-important question - December is the most popular month for marriage proposals.
Once the decision has been made to get down on bended knee and the ring has been obtained, it’s time to select the all-important location that will offer the backdrop to one of the most important moments of your life (particularly if the answer is ‘yes’).
Luckily Scotland is a country that has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to romantic spots.
With this in mind, the team at The House of Bruar has ranked the most picturesque places to propose in Scotland, from castles to ancient wilderness, based on the number of pertinent Instagram hashtags each location has received.
Here are the top 10 ideal spots to pop the question.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
5. Arthur's Seat
This ancient volcano, located right in the heart of Edinburgh, has accumulated 316,000 hashtags and boasts one of the best proposal locations in the city. The gradual hike to the summit takes around 45 minutes, and once at the top, you're treated to 360-degree panoramic views over the entire city, the Firth of Forth, and the surrounding countryside. Some believe Arthur's Seat is the original location of King Arthur's Camelot, adding another layer of romance to your proposal. If you're planning to ask the question here, sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular, with the golden light casting a magical glow over the city below. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Calton Hill
With 196,000 Instagram hashtags, Calton Hill is another excellent option if you're planning to propose in the Edinburgh area, offering iconic views over the city without needing to climb like some other destinations in our ranking. The hill is home to several monuments, including the National Monument (often referred to as "Edinburgh's Disgrace") and the Nelson Monument, which create a distinctive backdrop for your post-proposal photos. The easily accessible location makes it ideal for those planning a surprise proposal, as you can easily incorporate it into an evening walk without raising any suspicion. Calton Hill is especially romantic at sunset, when the sky turns pink and purple behind the Edinburgh skyline, making it perfect for capturing the romantic mood. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Isle of Mull
The Isle of Mull ranked seventh, receiving 192,000 hashtags and offering a perfect blend of remote island charm and easy access. Located just off Scotland's west coast, Mull is home to colourful harbour towns like Tobermory (famous for its rainbow-painted buildings), dramatic coastal cliffs, and even a fairy-tale castle, Duart Castle, which has stood for over 800 years. The island is best known for its wildlife, including puffins, eagles, and whales, which can act as a cover story if you're trying to keep the true nature of your visit a surprise. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Isle of Arran
Often called "Scotland in miniature," the Isle of Arran has earned 165,000 Instagram hashtags by offering an incredible variety of landscapes within a small area. Easily reachable via a short ferry ride from the mainland, Arran has everything from mountains and glens to beaches and picturesque villages. If you and your partner don't mind a climb, Goat Fell, the island's highest peak, provides spectacular summit views, while the coastal areas offer gentler walks. | Canva/Getty Images