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Flame shells group together on the sea bed and their nests create a living reef to support hundreds of other species. Photo courtesy: Marine Scotland/PA
The discovery of a large shellfish reef on the west coast of the UK could be the biggest find of its kind in the world, experts believe.
The reef, made up of more than 100 million brightly coloured and rare flame shells, or Limaria hians, was found in Loch Alsh, a sea inlet between Skye and the Scottish mainland. It covers an area of 4.6 sq miles (7.5 sq km) and was discovered during a survey commissioned by Marine Scotland. It is the largest known colony of flame shells in the UK and possibly the world, say experts.
The Scottish environment secretary, Richard Lochhead, said: "The seas around Scotland are a hotbed of biodiversity and the clean and cold waters support many fascinating and beautiful species.
"With Scottish waters covering an area around five times bigger than our landmass, it's a huge challenge to try and understand more about our diverse and precious sea life.
"This important discovery may be the largest grouping of flame shells anywhere in the world.
"And not only are flame shells beautiful to look at, these enigmatic shellfish form a reef that offers a safe and productive environment for many other species."
Flame shells have a similar shape to scallops, with many neon orange tentacles that appear between the two shells. They group together on the sea bed and their nests create a living reef to support hundreds of other species.
The Loch Alsh survey was carried out by Heriot-Watt University on behalf of Marine Scotland. Dr Dan Harries, from the university's school of life sciences, said: "Too often, when we go out to check earlier records of a particular species or habitat we find them damaged, struggling or even gone.
"We are delighted that in this instance we found not just occasional patches but a huge and thriving flame shell community extending right the way along the entrance narrows of Loch Alsh. This is a wonderful discovery for all concerned."
Ben James, marine survey and monitoring manager at Scottish Natural Heritage, said: "Whilst we had some records of flame shells in Loch Alsh, we had no idea how big the bed was.
"It's great to have this new information and it's yet another example of the fantastic diversity of Scotland's marine environment."
The Scottish government applied to the European Union last month to designate an area in the north-east Atlantic as a conservation area.
Hatton Bank, near the Isle of Lewis, covers about 9,752 sq miles (15,694 sq km) and features a large volcanic bank which is home to a large variety of corals.
WWF Scotland spokesman Lang Banks said: "These surveys highlight that Scotland's seas and coasts are home to a truly amazing range of stunning wildlife.
"Who needs space travel when we've still to fully explore and understand the oceans and seas here on planet Earth?"
Photo courtesy: Flickr/Moyan Brenn/CC BY 2.0
A land conservation group calling themselves Highland Titles has come up with a unique way to raise funds to conserve the dwindling highland forests and help conserve other Scottish ecosystems.
Have you always wanted to indulge your inner Downton Abbey fantasy, but didn't have the landed property to do so? Are you seeking the perfect present for the poseur princess in your life? Have you grown tired of your mail-order ministership and dream of a new novelty title to behold? Look no further.
To the potential dismay of Ladies and Lords across the Scottish highlands, the awesome land conservation organization, Highland Titles, is selling 'souvenir plots' on its estate in Glencoe Wood – granting the legal use of the Scottish title of Laird, Lord or Lady. But here's the thing; this isn't just a goofy gimmick. The title may have loads of novelty appeal, but it's all for a very noble cause.
Many, many centuries of industry and farming have pretty much decimated most of Scotland's forests – in fact, only 1 percent of the native woodland is all that remains. Highland Titles had the royal brainstorm to sell small plots of land to help fund the rescuing of woodlands, tree planting, maintenance and acquisition of land at risk of development – guaranteeing that it cannot be purchased or developed. Plot sizes range from one square foot to 1,000 square feet. Prices start at $49.99.
So you get a fancy title and a bit of land gets protected. But wait, there's more! When buying a one-square-foot plot, the new Lord or Lady will also receive:
•The title of Laird, Lord or Lady of Glencoe
•A high quality, full color, gift folder containing all your documents
•A legal title deed for land ownership, on velum parchment
•Master Title Deed to change your title on bank accounts, driving license and other ID
•A map of Glencoe Wood and directions as well as instructions on how to visit and find your personal plot (you can even camp on it, if you want)
•Information and pictures of the area, Glencoe Wood and the conservation project.
•A bumper sticker for you to proudly display your new status (Laird, Lord or Lady)
"We have created a new approach to raising funds to support the restoration of destroyed woodlands and preservation of land at risk for development," said Stephen Rossiter, marketing director, of Highland Titles. "It is imperative that we conserve our remaining forests and replace trees that have been lost for the sake of biodiversity, wildlife, carbon sequestration and the enjoyment of future generations. Extending the Scottish tradition of a descriptive title such as Laird, Lord or Lady is just great fun."
To purchase your very own Lord/Ladyship, visit Highland Titles.
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