We have always advised potential visitors to come to the Highlands, if they possibly can, in May, as it's usually by far the best month from the point of view of weather. Well, this May has set out to be the exception that proves the rule. It's been one of the coldest and blowiest we can remember. Today, as an example, has seen a westerly wind gusting to about 25mph bringing hard showers and temperatures struggling to get above 11C. Fortunately, there have been occasional sunny intervals, but the swallows must be pretty fed up, given that they are recently arrived from the warmth of Africa.
Butterflies have been hard to come by this month. We saw some of the usual early species - tortoiseshell, emperor and peacock - in April but the next batch, such as the speckled wood, have hardly dare show their faces.
By comparison, the wildflowers of late spring have been making a brave appearance. Species like the yellow pimpernel and....
....marsh cranesbill have been welcome finds.
The cranesbill pictured was all alone on the links at Littleferry a few days ago but when we returned we found that the area around it, but nowhere else, was covered with masses of these delicate little flowers.
Sadly, there's no sign of the weather improving for several days.
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