The fruiting bodies of fungi have had a significant role as foodstuffs in cultures throughout the world. They have also been used for a wide range of other purposes including as sources of medicines and hallucinogens. Nevertheless some of the uses of fungi in Scotland are relatively recent developments, borrowed from elsewhere. These include their use as sources of dyes, and as sources of fibre for paper-making (click the boxes above to find out more). The practice of collecting fungi for food has not been very significant in Scotland in recent times, but it is now growing considerably. A group called the Scottish Wild Mushroom Forum has been set up recently in order to ensure responsible and sustainable collection of fungi.
Some useful references BON, M. (1987). The mushrooms and Toadstools of Britain and North-western Europe. Domino Books, Jersey. DYKE, A. (1998). MSc dissertation. Wild edible mushrooms as a non-timber forest product: The sustainability and potential of the harvest in Scotland. University of Edinburgh. HARDING, P. LYON, T. & Tomblin, G. (1996). How to identify Edible Mushrooms. Harpers Collins Publishers, Glasgow. MacINTYRE, D. (1999). MSc Thesis. The role of Scottish native plants in natural dyeing and textiles. University of Edinburgh, Institute of Ecology and Resource Management WATLING, R., Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (1995). Essential medical guide to fungal poisoning in children . Inglis Allen, Falkirk. |
