A major interest of these northernmost districts of mainland Britain lies in arctic and alpine plant species. Plants such as mountain avens, moss campion and purple saxifrage, usually found on the high hills, occur here almost down to sea level because of the suitable bedrock and severity of the weather. The coastline also supports other rare northern species such as the Oyster plant. The tops of some sea cliffs have developed a coastal heath dotted with spring squill and the Scottish primrose, a plant found only here and in Norway.

The widespread blanket peat influences much of the plant life inland. Bog asphodel and bogbean are two of the more colourful species, while the sundews and butterwort which trap insects to boost the poor supply of nutrients are of particular interest. Where the less acidic influence from Old Red Sandstone rock affects the groundwater, marshy ground supporting ragged-Robin, marsh marigold and meadowsweet is found. Birchwoods and heaths with heather, blaeberry and chickweed wintergreen are widespread in the hills and glens. Here the sharp-eyed might also find the tiny lesser twayblade orchid.

Picture from the Caithness Biodiversity Collection