A perennial herb first recorded in 1767, Scottish Primrose is an endemic species, found in Caithness, Sutherland, Orkney, and nowhere else in the world. It grows less than 2km from the sea, on clifftops, in mosaics of heath and machair and on rocky outcrops.
Image: © 2015 Deborah Long
Action Needed
- Support increased flexibility within rural development programmes to maintain open pasture through careful management of sheep grazing.
- Support efforts to restore populations.
- Raise awareness of this beautiful and unique Scottish species.
Threats
Scottish primrose is adversely affected by both under and over grazing. It declined historically due to agricultural intensification.
MSP Nature Champion
Liam McArthur
Member for: Orkney Islands
Region: Highlands and Islands
Party: Scottish Liberal Democrats
