Arduiane Gardens

I started the day in Lochboisdale on South Uist, was in Oban in the early afternoon and again a couple of hours later, and between those times was on a five hour ferry trip across a slightly choppy Minch and then visited the Natonal Trust for Scotland's Arduaine Garden, which lies about half an hour south of Oban.

Consequently I was spoilt for choice in terms of blipping. I have a nicely moody shot of the pier in Lochboisdale just after a torrential rain shower, and a much more sunny image of a cruise liner in Oban Bay, But the garden is so sensational and the range of plants so wonderful that I had to use something from there.

This is one of the most striking sights at this time of year a Rhododendron Arboreum from Sri Lanka which, were were told, makes it the the most southerly type of rhododendon.

The gardens have been badly affected by Phytophthora ramorum and the larches that are such a distinctive and vital feature of the woodland garden, and which protect the whole site from salt spray, are under severe threat. Therefeore, if you get the chance, go and see the place as it is now and don't delay.