Rhododendron Ponticum

This is almost "the" flower of the west of scotland , given its spread across most of the highland seaboard. Yet it is an invasive species, which has caused huge amounts of habitat loss and environmental damage since its introduction (possibly from Spain or Portugal rather than the commonly believed Himalayas ) during the 18th century.

But despite all these downsides - including one I only learnt about recently called "Mad Honey Disease" - it is , at this time of year, beautiful in the woodlands and along the roadsides. Because we have had a cold May it is a little late in flowering, but the woods beside Loch Striven are full of purple (of various shades) now.