The little white rose of Scotland

Late June and the hedgerows of Scotland are decorated with wild roses weaving their way through the shrubs. Most common among these are the dog roses - one theory being that the plant got its name because dog was a derogatory term for common while others believed the root of the plant could heal the bite of a wild dog!

While dog roses range in colour from dark pink to white, the Burnet rose or little white rose has become a symbol of Scotland second only to the thistle.

The Rose of all the world is not for me

I want for my part

Only the little white rose of Scotland

That smells sharp and sweet — and

breaks the heart.

Hugh MacDiarmid (1892-1978)