Saturday 27 August 2016

Beautiful Thistles





The Cotton Thistle or Scots Thistle grows throughout the world and is well known
 as the National Flower of Scotland. The origins of this choice of emblem are
shrouded in mystery. Legend has it that it dates from the time of
King Alexander III (1249-1286) although the first evidence of
official use was on a James III silver coin in 1470.

Since then thistles have adorned everything from royal coats of arms to T-shirts.






In the past the plant has been used as food and medicine -
and cotton from the seed heads gathered for stuffing pillows and mattresses ....






Thistles seem to flourish where ever they land ....





On moorland  ....





Beside a hilltop lochan (small loch or lake) ....





Moorland high above Loch Tay  -  in the distance Ben Lawers and her siblings beautify the skyline ....





Maddy with Schiehallion (Fairy Hill of the Caledonians) in the background.

Part of Schiehallion is now owned and protected by the John Muir Trust.
It looms over the eastern end of Rannoch Moor - the legendary moor often mentioned in tales of past times.

In the 18th century this mountain was the subject for the Astronomer Royal's experiment in "weighing the world".
You can find out more  ...  HERE  ...  for anyone interested in the subject it's worth reading!






James III silver coins - 1470 





Thank you for visiting



Image 8 - source - Internet

Shared with :      Today's Flowers     Saturday's Critters      Seasons
                          Our World Tuesday      Tuesday's Treasures      

Monday 15 August 2016

Golden Light





Evening sky -  after rain .....





In the park, plants are bathed in the golden light of late summer .....














































Thank you for visiting



Shared with :    Saturday's Critters    Our World Tuesday    Trees and Bushes
                       Tuesday's Treasures     Flower Wednesday
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