All roads led to Garelochhead on Saturday for the nation's rhododendron lovers.

The Scottish Rhododendron Society's national show and exhibition in the Gibson Hall attracted exhibitors from as far as South Wales, Lancashire and from throughout Scotland.

Spectacular examples of this popular plant, which thrives in Argyll's mild, damp climate, were admired by a steady stream of visitors and exhibitors.

Philip Rankin of the Scottish Rhododendron Society told the Advertiser: "It was a great success despite the weather and the late season, which resulted in a different selection of blooms on the show bench from other years.

Philip, from Edinburgh, added: "Over 360 entries were staged by 29 exhibitors and there was a particularly good entry in the photographic section. BBC's Beechgrove Garden was there to film the event as it proceeded."

This was the national show's fourth year at Garelochhead and Philip believes it is encouraging people throughout Helensburgh and Lomond to grow their own specimens of this popular plant.

Among the exhibitors - and prizewinners - was Carol Rowe who grows rhododendrons in her 20 acre garden at Kilarden on the Rosneath Peninsula.

Carol, also a member of the society, said: "The show was extremely well attended - and it was the best yet as far as entries were concerned."

Carol won the the Marlene Storah Cup for the most points in all classes for gardens not open to the public more than once a year.

Mike and Sue Thornley, who run the garden at Glenarn on the peninsula, won the Argyll and Bute Trophy for the most points in all classes grown in an Argyll and Bute garden, while Marion Kinns from Helensburgh was presented with the Harry Fairbairn Cup for the most points in section 4 and the David Stuart Cup for the best species or hybrid exhibited in section 4.-

Stella Irvine from Portencaple was the winner of the Wild Argyll Cup for the best photographic print.