Assynt Meeting June 18th to 22nd 2006
Potentilla rupestris(Rock Cinquefoil plant)
Linnaea borealis(Twinflower)
Pyrola minor (Common Wintergeen)
Potentilla rupestris(Rock Cinquefoil Flower)
Moneses uniflora(One-flowered Wintergreen)
Lupinus nootkatensis (Nootka Lupin)
Migdale Rock and Balblair woods
The directions were again spot on and after a pleasant stroll through the woods we arrived at a place which was an overgrown clearing. A slope above the clearing was the base of the limestone where the plant was supposed to grow. It was difficult terrain with waist high heather and bracken but we clambered up to find that all the accessible plants were over. The ones in full flower were impossible to reach half way up the steep rocky cliff. There was one with a single flower on a scarcely accessible ledge so up we climbed up and took what photos we could. This plant, rare though it is, doesn't seem to be in any danger at this site. It isn't difficult to find many healthy plants even in fruit but it obviously flowers in May as the instructions said. Another point we were told afterwards: in hot weather Migdale Rock is a favourite basking spot for vipers.
From here we went to a well known site at Balblair woods and found two excellent northern rarities: Linnaea borealis (Twinflower) and Moneses uniflora (One-flowered wintergreen). We investigated one more site and found plenty of Ajuga pyramidalis (Pyramidal Bugle) on The Mound near Golspie. Nearby we also discovered a small patch of pink tinged Pyrola minor (Common Wintergeen).
Back at base camp we learned that the bogtrotters had mostly failed to find what they sought which gave our group that warm but slightly guilty feeling as we told them of our successes. The next day we were to revisit Inchnadamph to find the Zoo - or die in the attempt. The weather forecast? Awful.
June 21st Winter arrives early
Overnight the rain and winds came. By morning the streets of Lochinver were indistinguishable from rivers and in the hills, the white scars told us that once dry stream beds were now waterfalls. It was cold, miserable and even gritters were out on the roads.
Naturally Field Marshal Hawkins (rarely has such rapid promotion been so well deserved) told us that a little dampness was not to deter the First Botanical Assynt Highlanders and that we were to assemble as before in the Inchnadamph car park. Here we would raise our spirits by singing the regimental song: Flower of Scotland to the tune of Land of Hope and Glory.
I have to admit that faced with a choice of a day in the Scottish hills when not even a nettle would be in flower or going home in disgrace, I chose the cowardly option. But first I said my goodbyes to the subdued troops in the car park.
I would look out for stories of the mountain rescue attempts on the news that night I told them, only half joking.
Stopping in a layby on the A9 some hours later, I found Lupinus nootkatensis (Nootka Lupin) on the grassy banks and paused to think of those who might never again enjoy the fortuitous discovery of a wild flower. There would be tributes in the Autumn WFS magazine no doubt.
Later I learned they were all alive and well having chickened out ten minutes after I'd said goodbye.
On reflection, The British Empire had flourished on exactly such a mixture of ambitious intent tempered with self preservation.
Peter Llewellyn August 2006