Rare flower preserved by crofting

Nineteen new populations of the flower were found

Traditional farming methods have helped protect one of Scotland's rarest flowers, according to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

The Scottish primrose, Primula scotia, is only found in Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney.

SNH said its latest survey suggested that it thrives where crofting grazing patterns continue.

It was found at 194 places between Durness and Dunbeath, but had disappeared from 75 other sites.

Nineteen new populations were found during the survey, which has been run since the 1960s.

Sally Ward, the SNH officer in Golspie who managed the survey, said the tiny plant grew mainly in short grassland close to the sea often near the top of cliffs.

She said: "Primula scotica is best appreciated with one's face close to the ground so that you can achieve an excellent view of the flower with its pink petals and yellow centre.

"The key to its success - or failure - is grazing in which grass is kept tightly cropped."

The officer added: "The fortunes of primula scotica rise and fall with livestock numbers and as it is so small - less than 5cm high - it cannot compete against long grass which shades it out."