Donald is involved in a trial of Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn). This plant, known for its medicinal benefits as well as for its ability to stabilise sandy shorelines, is being considered for its suitability in Orkney. He brought us several small specimans to plant in different areas of our garden. We remember sea buckthorn from early morning walks along the beach in Gullane many years ago when we would see dozens of rabbits scampering amongst the prickly, orange-berried hedges.