We’ve finally made it through January, but there is still a while until the winter is behind us and spring arrives.
One of the first signs that warmer days are coming is snowdrops emerging from the ground, providing some much-needed life in what can seem a fairly stark landscape.
Galanthus, to give them their scientific name, is one of the few plants to flower during winter or, at the very latest, in early spring.
And we’re lucky in Scotland that there are plenty of places to go to see a bewildering range of the pretty plant - Cambo, in Fife, alone is home to 350 of them.
These magical places offer the chance to stroll past carpets of snowdrops, creating a remarkable natural spectacle.
Here are 10 places to visit where you can be sure of a great display.
5. Dawyck Botanic Gardens
Located near Stobo Castle, in the Scottish Borders, Dawyck Botanic Gardens is known for being one of the world’s finest arboreta, but also comes alive with thousands of snowdrops every February. It's been closed lately due to storm Eowyn, but will reopen on Febraury 1. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. West Plean House
West Plean House, near Stirling, offers romantic getaways for couples, with the added benefit of gardens swathed in snowdrops. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Royal Botanical Gardens
The best snowdrop spotting opportunities in Scotland's Capital are at the Royal Botanical Gardens, where you'll have the chance to see several very rare variants of the plant. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. The Hermitage
The Hermitage, in Perthshire, is one of Scotland's most magnificent walks, with a Victorian folly, bridges over the River Bran, waterfalls, and pristine woodland. In February there's the added bonus of snowdrops lining the paths. Photo: Canva/Getty Images