138 pages.   50 Colour Photographs

FREE postage in the UK, £3.00 to Europe, £5.00 elsewhere
Select number of copies

Publication Date:  31 October 2014.

ISBN 978-0-9567205-2-8

Thistle of Scotland
Ancient Emblem of Nationhood to
21st Century Symbol of Biodiversity

by Trevor Smith

Thistle has been an Emblem of Scotland from at least the time of the Stewart Kings, and in combination with the motto: NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT, ‘No-one attacks me with impunity’, has for centuries appeared on the Royal Arms of Scotland and Scottish coinage, and the emblem continues to expand its range into every aspect of Scottish sporting, social and business life.

Trevor Smith introduces us to the maThe ny kinds of Thistle growing in Scotland and asks which is the Scottish Emblem?  Is it the mighty ‘Scotch’ thistle from the Mediterranean, the native Spear Thistle, or one of our many other species, or should we embrace the whole Thistle Family as the Emblem, regardless of country of origin?

With increasing concern for the environment and loss of biodiversity, the thistle is well placed to take on an additional role as a Biological Emblem of Scotland. A major food plant of the globe-trotting painted lady butterfly, a rich source of nectar, and of pollen for bees, with seeds much loved by the colourful goldfinch, the Thistle is a village brimming with life, providing  sustenance and shelter to over fifty species of insect and other invertebrates.

Host to a variety of wildlife, with attractive flowers, the Thistle is also a source of human food, notably the fleshy bracts of globe artichokes, and stems of cardoons, while extracts of Milk Thistle can be found in any health food shop.

Thistle of Scotland is essential reading for all Scots and anyone interested in things Scottish who want to find out more about our National Emblem, as well as plant enthusiasts keen to learn about this fascinating and beautiful flower and its potential role as a Symbol of Biodiversity.