Mairi Benson, of Diabetes UK, said they were excited by the breakthrough but warned it could be some time before sufferers see any benefits.

BBC: Diabetes results raise cure hopes

Professor Viney was helped in his work by a sixteen year old high school student, Mairi Struthers of Wishaw, who collected mucus from land snails housed at Edinburgh Zoo.

BBC: Snail slime 'could mend bones'

Before leaving the warmth of the Seamen's Victoria Hall on Harbour Road, rangers John Orr and Mairi Nicolson warned that the miserable summer appears to have impacted on bat numbers.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Scotland | Highlands and Islands | Seeking 'a wet slap' in the dark