Dull and Bright on the Cuillin

Heavy showers and cloudscapes on The Isle of Skye


Traversing around the coast from Glenbrittle towards the southern end of the Cuillin Ridge. A good path leads as far as the outlet from Coir a'Ghrunnda. If this path could be extended to Loch Scavaig, Skye would have the very best coastal path in the whole of Europe, if not the world.

A small ornament adorns the summit of Sgurr Alasdair. This well-worn little Squirrel has been placed on the top of the highest peak on The Isle of Skye.

"Somewhere" on the Skye Ridge

Thrift is seen from low tide to high summits. An incredibly adaptable plant. These plants and the one below were seen on Sgurr Dubh Mor, above 900 metres. The small blue flower is Viola.



The barren wastes of the high Black Cuillin Ridge are softened at this season with many small and hardy plants. The picture above is just one example to be seen around the 900 metre mark. Check out the benefits of this very colourful and hardy plant.

..."Though little known as a medicinal plant, rose root has been used in traditional European medicine for over three thousand years, mainly as a tonic. Modern research has shown that it increases the body's resistance to any type of stress by regulating the body's hormonal response. Its use has been shown to have a protective effect upon the neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain. It improves neurotransmitter activity by inhibiting their enzymatic destruction and preventing their decline caused by excessive stress hormone release. Rose root also enhances the transport of serotonin's precursors into the brain and studies have shown that use of this herb can increase brain serotonin by up to 30%. The root is adaptogen. It has an enhancing effect upon physical endurance and sexual potency. A decoction of the flowers has been used to treat stomach aches and intestinal discomfort. The raw flowers have been eaten in the treatment of tuberculosis"...

Taken from