Bird's Foot Trefoil

One of several arrestingly large and bright patches of Bird's Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) on the dunes near Tiger Hill.

Rufus demonstrating just what Border Terriers were bred to do.

Having pottered in the garden all day Grey Granite left it late in the day to give Rufus a decent walk before the sacred institution which is Saturday evening supper so decided to walk along the Broch Bents and beach. Normally Grey Granite despises the start of the bents as being litter ridden and is surprised to find herself in agreement with Councillor Topping over the appalling state of the dunes. However, ignoring the debris Grey Granite and Rufus walked for some distance over the dunes then walked along the beach to the Water of Philorth and back. This is only the second time Rufus has experienced the beach and he really enjoyed the opportunity to dig without being told off. Grey Granite was pleased to discover huge patches of Bird's Foot Trefoil growing on the dunes near Tiger Hill and the bright reddish purple flowers of common vetch, jewel like in the grass on the bents. The huge spreads of Bird's foot explain the vast numbers of burnet moths which are to be found on the dunes in mid summer as this is the main food plant for the caterpillars.