There’s something about Scotland that just screams romance to me. And I can’t be the only one. Have you seen the number of scantily clad kilted men gracing the covers in your local bookstore lately? Yum. It’s not just historical or time-travel anymore, we’ve got paranormal and fantasy too. One day I’d like to write a Scottish romance. Whether setting it in Scotland or just having Scottish characters. Is it the land, or the people, or the accent? (They think ours is delightful I’m told.) I just get a tug for all things Scottish, and I don’t think it’s the ancestry.
I used to be a contributing member of my local Highland Games association before kids and the day-to-day overwhelmed me, a move out of state didn’t help either. Watch rippling muscle on the athletics as they fight to balance a telephone pole then toss the thing so it lands at 12 o’clock to the competitor’s 6 o’clock — true sport, it’s called a Caber Toss — and tell me you don’t find a Scottish man sexy. Or, a bonnie lass kicking up her heels dancing a Highland Reel to the bagpipes.
Aw, the bagpipes. Y’all can call me crazy but bagpipes are haunting and beautiful. To hear Amazing Grace played at sunset on a boardwalk will bring tears to your eyes whether you are religious or not, Christian or not. And what’s more romantic than walking arm in arm with the one who makes your heart sing at sunset, on a boardwalk?
Kilt, n. – a costume sometimes worn by Scotsmen in America and Americans in Scotland. ~Ambrose Bierce
The land. Sigh. The land is magical. I have no idea how a country roughly the size of the state of Oregon but with three times the population can retain such an untamed quality. It’s ancient. It has a presence of its own. And I haven’t even stepped foot on it yet. I will one day. Wonder if I can talk That Man into a trip :taps finger against chin: After all, I could claim the trip was for research. It would be a tax write off, right?
I’d love to hear what land or people scream romance to you?
Sep 22, 2011 @ 06:05:38
I’m with you. I love any romance with the word “Highlander” on the cover. Doesn’t hurt that I married a bagpiper either.
Have you read Donna Grant? Fantastic PN/Highland romances.
Sep 22, 2011 @ 07:14:14
So you’re living the fantasy
I read the first 2 or 3 of her series.
Thanks for stopping by Alice!
Sep 22, 2011 @ 07:46:12
Scotland is definitely romantic. I’ve actually been there (way back in the day though when I was little.) I don’t remember much of it, but my Dad loves to tell us how they went to this pub and there was a family reunion going on and this old Scottish man with a “resplendent beard” was the patriarch. He forced us to join the reunion and bought us all food and drinks (well I was 4 I didn’t get drinks). I think that kind of epitomizes their fun loving, open attitude.
Sep 22, 2011 @ 08:03:48
That sounds like one of my family’s reunions…the more the merrier! Of course, I doubt my dad’s side would fit in a pub, LOL.
Thanks for stopping by Mary Kate!
Sep 22, 2011 @ 07:58:57
I think you are right about bagpipes. They are haunting and beautiful, when played well.
Sep 22, 2011 @ 08:04:53
Yet you don’t get the attraction of a kilted man…hmmm…
Thanks for stopping by Ciara!
Sep 22, 2011 @ 07:59:24
Oh yes, I’m in love with Scotland too. It’s not just romantic, but feels ancient and mysterious with the mists rolling across the moors and the castles against vivid green backdrops. *dreamy sigh*
Sep 22, 2011 @ 08:06:35
YES! Of course this is why That Man is worried about me setting foot on Scottish soil…I probably won’t come back, LOL.
Thanks for stopping by Angela!
Sep 22, 2011 @ 12:55:56
I am completely sold on a strapping highlander! Shooeee! Heh heh.
I want to write a highlander novel one day, too. However, in answer to your question, the land that screams romance to me overall….drumroll, please…(lol)
is Persia. I am in love with the architecture, the art, and the history of all things Persian. (I have to confess…I once read a novel entitled, “Cyrus The Persian” and I’ve been in love ever since). Great question, Raelyn! ~ Nadja
Sep 22, 2011 @ 15:01:28
Seems to me I’ve read a few Persian romances too
I agree the architecture is amazing.
Thanks for stopping by Nadja!
Sep 22, 2011 @ 14:47:35
Scotland for me too, especially after reading Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” series. England used to scream romance, but was booted by those rogues across the border. If I had to pick a second choice, it would be Italy.
I get my yearly fix at Renaissance. Especially Highland Fling weekend. I think it’s the first time my hubby was worried! I have to see Tartanic every year. I’m a sucker for bagpipes also. Have bought their albums and have several CD’s of Celtic music (I know, mostly Irish, but gets me to the same mood). Raelyn, I’ll definitely post pics for you from our festival excursion.
Melanie
Sep 22, 2011 @ 15:14:03
Melanie, if you can ever get your hands on a Keltoi CD jump on it. They are a group out of Seattle, lead vocals by Rich Hill, that sadly appear to have disbanded. They were amazing to see live, to hear Scots Gaelic as it should be spoken (sang). Rich Hill made me want to learn Gaelic but I couldn’t find a place that taught the Scots Gaelic.
I’m looking forward to those pictures
Thanks for stopping by!
Sep 22, 2011 @ 20:06:46
It’s the countryside and castles that makes it so romantic. (and kilts) :whistling:
Wait. Who said that?
I’ve been in love with Scottish romance novels since Gabaldon.
Sep 23, 2011 @ 07:31:05
LOL, I was in love with Scotland and Scottish romance long before Gabaldon but Jamie Fraser :le sigh: You’re in good company
And I won’t tell Greg
Thanks for stopping by Maria!
Sep 23, 2011 @ 07:11:04
Where else in the world can a bearded man be regarded as both rugged and sexy while wearing a skirt (we know it as a kilt but not enough people do).
I am also in love with Brazil and Morocco. There’s something very mystical, historical and intriguing that makes both places so irresistible to me.
Sep 23, 2011 @ 07:35:44
It’s what is, or isn’t, under the kilt
Good choices Angela. I love Brazil but don’t know much about Morocco.
Thanks for stopping by!
Sep 23, 2011 @ 07:20:13
Someone was playing bagpipes in a park by my house a while ago, and I just had to stop an listen. So cool!
Sep 23, 2011 @ 07:39:38
Love that! Eons ago I worked in a converted office above a train station and every spring a bagpiper would set up in the parking lot to practice for all the upcoming summer weddings…I was always distracted when he showed up.
Thanks for stopping by Angie!
Sep 23, 2011 @ 14:33:57
Awesome post!! I’m in love with everything about Scotland, the beautiful untamed landscape, the kilted men (when you can find them), the kind people, the atmosphere, the historical sites… Love it all!
Sep 23, 2011 @ 14:54:25
Yeah, the kilts only come out for black tie in Scotland…which really is a shame
I can see I need to go drool over your covers! Thanks for stopping by Vonda
Sep 23, 2011 @ 14:48:55
I’ve never been to Scotland, but I do have to agree it’s a great setting for romance. Also a great setting for magic!
Sep 23, 2011 @ 14:55:55
Magic…definitely!…with all the fae running around
Thanks for stopping by Liz!
Sep 24, 2011 @ 16:09:29
I`d stick in Nevada if I were you.Think there have only been three dry days in the last three months in Scotland.We call that a good summer
Alex
Sep 24, 2011 @ 16:28:25
There’s a reason you have all that green!
Thanks for stopping by Alex
Sep 24, 2011 @ 17:10:42
Scotland and Wales for me
I hope Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd plays Jamie Fraser if they ever make a movie of Outlander…
Sep 24, 2011 @ 18:10:40
Oh, good choice for Jamie Fraser.
Thanks for stopping by Deniz
Oct 01, 2011 @ 15:09:56
Bagpipes are beautiful and haunting, I agree, Raelyn. And, Jamie Fraser, ahh…his character & romance with Claire, haunting and beautiful as well! Unforgettable is what those two are.
Oct 01, 2011 @ 15:52:04
Yeah, Gabaldon really nailed it when she created those two…timeless.
Thanks for stopping by Candy
Oct 01, 2011 @ 21:37:00
Hi Raelyn. Personally, I don’t find Scottish men sexy, but I think that has something to do with the fact that my dad was Scottish and one doesn’t want to think of their dad as being sexy!
I know what you mean about some of the other things though. I’ve never been there, but I’d dearly love to go. It looks beautiful and I’d love to delve into my dad’s family tree a bit more. My parents went there a few years ago before he died and my mum liked it much better than England. She says it’s peaceful and quiet, and not so crowded. She understands now why the Queen spends a lot of her time there.
Interesting question about what land I find romantic. I love the look of some of those island paradises though. Tahiti, The Maldives – just gorgeous!
Oct 02, 2011 @ 09:05:44
If the name didn’t give it away I’m also Scottish on both sides of the ol’ family tree though, with the exception of my dad’s parents, everyone was born on this side of the pond. My English step-grandmother had the same reaction your mum did when she traveled to Scotland for the first time. So there must be something to it
Island paradises…now that’s interesting. I love them for the laid-back feel they generate but I don’t think of them as romantic. Which is odd considering the number of honeymoon trips to those places I booked eons ago as a travel agent, LOL.
Thanks for stopping by Debbie!