You've been slimed!

The Chimney is a tricky but popular climb in the North West Islands and the Port Appin Climbing Club set off from the approach slopes of of Blac ån Suti to mount it. They were fully aware of the dangers in a region notorious for the giant killer snails 'Bigus Helix' but bravely forged ahead unaware that they were being pursued by the slimy prey with evil on their minds.

The Port Appin Star has just received this text from the club... "Sadly Charlie MacCragrat was crushed when a killer snail intent on finding a mate mistook him for another Bigus Helix". Team Leader Bill MacBurpitt would not be drawn on Charlie's injuries though he did admit he was smiling towards the end whilst screaming hysterically. Charlie's black labrador was not available for comment.

Garden snail
With their messy trails and taste for greens, garden snails are often considered to be pests whose strong homing instinct makes human control difficult. They are often seen after rain, and leave a tell-tale trail of mucus. Being hermaphrodites, garden snails each have both male and female reproductive organs, but although they can mate with themselves, it's more usual to find a partner. When conditions are dry, snails retreat into their shell and seal the entrance. They can then survive in a state of suspended animation for several months. A single garden snail can have 430 babies in a year.