A Forager's Spring

Take a wander through the islands' early bounty - and be inspired to use it

- COINNEACH MacLEOD

IF winter is a time to coorie in by the fire, then spring is the season when nature awakens again. As the days stretch and the first bursts of green start to peek through the soil, it's as if the land itself takes a deep breath and begins to bloom. On the Isle of Lewis, where trees are few but nature's presence is vast, springtime feels like a reawakening not just of the landscape, but of the spirit.

Unlike much of mainland Scotland, trees are a rare sight in the Outer Hebrides. Some say the Vikings felled them to stop rivals from building boats, while others believe ancient storms reshaped the landscape into the open moorland we see today. But while towering trees may be few, the arrival of spring reveals that the landscape is far from barren.

Look closely, and you'll see signs of growth and life emerging all around. The vibrant Yellow Flag Iris (Sealastair) brightens the marshy ground, the glossy, heart-shaped leaves of the Lesser Celandine begin to peek through the undergrowth and the pale pink blooms of Lady's Smock (Cuckoo Flower) add a delicate beauty to the islands.

These early signs feel all the more special in the Hebrides, where nature must work harder to thrive against the island's stormy winds and salt-laden air.