A drama written by Jeremy Brock and directed by John Madden that stars incredible actors like Judi Dench, Billy Connolly, and Gerard Butler who debuted in this film. It follows Queen Victoria who must recover from her grief after losing Prince Albert. She finds solace in the former servant of the prince, John Brown, who becomes her confidant. As they grow closer, rumours begin to circulate as to what the nature of their relationship is.placeholder image
A drama written by Jeremy Brock and directed by John Madden that stars incredible actors like Judi Dench, Billy Connolly, and Gerard Butler who debuted in this film. It follows Queen Victoria who must recover from her grief after losing Prince Albert. She finds solace in the former servant of the prince, John Brown, who becomes her confidant. As they grow closer, rumours begin to circulate as to what the nature of their relationship is.

Scottish Films For Valentine's Day: Here are 14 romantic movies set in Scotland - including Mrs Brown

By David Hepburn

Writer-at-large

Published 7th Feb 2023, 15:57 GMT
Updated 30th Jan 2024, 15:11 GMT

Many cinematic masterpieces have featured Scotland - include some timeless romantic classics.

With award-winning scenery and locations with fascinating heritage it is no surprise that Scotland has featured in many acclaimed films and TV shows.

When you have grand epics like Braveheart and gritty dramas such as Trainspotting to pick from, the sentimental side of Scottish cinema can be easily forgotten.

But there are plenty of swoony movies that have been set in the country - all perfect for Valentine's Day.

Here are 14 of the most romantic films set in Scotland.

Mary of Scotland is an RKO film directed by John Ford and an adaptation from the 1933 Maxwell Anderson play. It stars Katharine Hepburn as the 16th-century ruler Mary, Queen of Scots, who after being recently widowed returns to Scotland to reclaim her throne much to the dislike of her half-brother and other Scottish lords. Described as a ‘historical romance’ the film recounts the life and love of Mary.

5. Mary of Scotland (1936)

Mary of Scotland is an RKO film directed by John Ford and an adaptation from the 1933 Maxwell Anderson play. It stars Katharine Hepburn as the 16th-century ruler Mary, Queen of Scots, who after being recently widowed returns to Scotland to reclaim her throne much to the dislike of her half-brother and other Scottish lords. Described as a ‘historical romance’ the film recounts the life and love of Mary. Photo: Mary of Scotland (John Ford, 1936) | Pictorial Press Ltd/Alamy

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A romantic drama directed by Harry Wootliff, Only You stars Josh O’Connor as 26-year-old Jake and Laia Costa as 35-year-old Elena, the former being a romantic and the latter being a cynic for romance. Set in Glasgow, the two connect after a chance encounter on New Year’s Eve and embark on a journey through their whirlwind relationship where they have to grapple with the differences between them and explore how to make their fast love last.

6. Only You (2018)

A romantic drama directed by Harry Wootliff, Only You stars Josh O’Connor as 26-year-old Jake and Laia Costa as 35-year-old Elena, the former being a romantic and the latter being a cynic for romance. Set in Glasgow, the two connect after a chance encounter on New Year’s Eve and embark on a journey through their whirlwind relationship where they have to grapple with the differences between them and explore how to make their fast love last. Photo: Only You (Harry Wootliff, 2018) | YouTube Screenshot

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A romantic comedy directed by John McKay that features prominent Scottish talent Karen Gillan. The film premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on June 30, 2013. It follows a publisher who notices that his only author gets writer’s block when she’s experiencing happiness, so to keep her productive he devises means to make her feel bad. However, the more he does this, the more he realises the feelings he holds for her.

7. Not Another Happy Ending (2013)

A romantic comedy directed by John McKay that features prominent Scottish talent Karen Gillan. The film premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on June 30, 2013. It follows a publisher who notices that his only author gets writer’s block when she’s experiencing happiness, so to keep her productive he devises means to make her feel bad. However, the more he does this, the more he realises the feelings he holds for her. Photo: Not Another Happy Ending (John McKay, 2013) | Submitted

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My Name is Joe is a romantic drama directed by Ken Loach which stars Peter Mullan as Joe Kavanagh and Louise Goodall as health worker Sarah. Joe is an unemployed recovering alcoholic in Glasgow who’s been on the wagon for 10 months while Sarah is a health visitor, the two thirty somethings meet in a rough Glasgow neighbourhood where crime is a way of life and become romantically involved with each other.

8. My Name is Joe (1998)

My Name is Joe is a romantic drama directed by Ken Loach which stars Peter Mullan as Joe Kavanagh and Louise Goodall as health worker Sarah. Joe is an unemployed recovering alcoholic in Glasgow who’s been on the wagon for 10 months while Sarah is a health visitor, the two thirty somethings meet in a rough Glasgow neighbourhood where crime is a way of life and become romantically involved with each other. Photo: My Name is Joe (1998) | YouTube Screenshot

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