“In Camlochlin, heather is a symbol of love. The more perfectly intact yer sprig, the greater is yer love for whom the heather is given.” Mailie MacGregor~Laird of the Black Isle

Heather has always been an important part of my Highlander books. Like Camlochlin, it took on a life of its own, filling every nook and crevice of Camlochlin Castle.
In one way or another, heather found its way into almost all my character's lives.

Callum MacGregor picked it for Kate when he brought her home to Camlochlin.
Graham Grant was afraid of trading in his claymore for a sprig of it clutched in his fist.
Rob MacGregor picked it for Davina and filled every corner of his bedroom with it on his wedding night.
Tristan loved to sleep in it.
The scent of it made Mairi long for home.
At first, Colin thought picking it made a man soft.
Finn the Bard sang about it.
Edmund was given vast meadows lined with it to grow up and play with his puppy Aurelius.
Kyle assured Alexander Kidd that showering a lass with flowers was the best way to mend her heart.
Malcolm Grant had trouble picking it but thought Emma was worth hours, days of learning the art.
Temperance loved to ramble through it…and Cailean Grant wanted to watch.
Patrick and Charlie made love for the first time in it.
Mailie will use it to soothe the troubled heart of a beast.
Adam's deft fingers haven't picked it for a lass. Yet.

One of the best parts of writing these books is imaging the heather-lined hills of Camlochlin. Who wouldn't want to live there?