Limaria hians, the flame shell, is a species of small saltwater clam, a marine bivalve mollusc in the family Limidae.

These bivalves create nests through the use of byssal threads to bind small stones, shells and other detritus together, enclosing themselves as form of protection.

In 2012 a bed of 100 million flame shells covering an area of 75 hectares was found during a survey of Loch Alsh undertaken by Heriot-Watt University on behalf of Marine Scotland.

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment said: "The flame shell must be considered among the most remarkable species in our waters, with a dazzling array of orange tentacles.

Many would place such an exotic species in far-flung tropical reefs - not realising they dwell under the waves just off the coast of Skye.