Tonight David Shelton of the Scottish Wildlife Trust gave us very wide-ranging information on the wild flowers which we encounter on our hills, explaining how they vary with the season, the soil type, the height above sea level, the climate and the latitude.

With all these variables, we have in Scotland a large number of different species, some of which we share with other parts of Europe such as the Alps or Scandinavia. However, we have some which will grow only in one specific area of our country. One of the best places for unusual plants is on the steeper slopes near the summit of Ben Lawers where the inaccessibility goes a long way to protect the plants from extinction. At the other end of the scale, it is amazing that so many species such as Tormentil, can be found in so many different places in so many months of the year.

David illustrated his talk extremely well with a large number of excellent photographs - particularly close-ups - and his great enthusiasm made us wish that Spring was already here so that we could rush out into the hills and meet some of our wee floral friends again.

CJT