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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. |
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In the past the plant has been used as food and medicine - and cotton from the seed heads gathered for stuffing pillows and mattresses .... |
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Thistles seem to flourish where ever they land .... |
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On moorland .... |
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Beside a hilltop lochan (small loch or lake) .... |
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Moorland high above Loch Tay - in the distance Ben Lawers and her siblings beautify the skyline .... |
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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! |
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James III silver coins - 1470 |
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Image 8 - source - Internet
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