Rare microscopic creatures discovered in Scottish Highland caves

Discovery of ostracods thought to be a first for Scotland

Smoo Cave is well-known for local, supernatural histories (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Rare microscopic creatures have been discovered in caves in the Scottish Highlands.

Researchers found the tiny crustaceans, named ostracods, in the famous Smoo Cave in Sutherland and Allt nan Uamh Stream Cave in Assynt.

The discovery of the creatures is a result of six years of work and is thought to be a first for Scotland.