A LIFETIME achievement award has been presented to an East Lothian couple who have spent more than 50 years recording lichens.

Brian and Sandy Coppins were recognised for their dedicated work on lichen conservation at the RSPB’s Nature of Scotland Awards in Edinburgh last month.

Realising in 2002 that they were the only lichenologists left in Scotland, they were driven to establish an apprentice scheme.

A lichen is a stable symbiotic association between a fungus and algae and/or cyanobacteria. Some species of lichens are particularly sensitive to specific pollutants – making them important indicators in tracking world pollution.

Brian and Sandy, of East Linton’s High Street, remain at the heart of work on lichens today, actively recording and reporting lichens, while continuing to give their expert guidance and share their boundless knowledge on these species.

Brian said: “We were very pleased but also for the other people who have worked with us over the years.

“It is just nice to be appreciated, beavering away in the background – it was a very nice surprise.”

Brian said he had been interested in lichens for more than 50 years. He collected The Observer’s Books, a small series of pocket-sized books published by Frederick Warne and Co, with one on lichens published in 1963.

He said the species of lichens prevalent in certain areas had changed over the years due to a variety of factors, including pollution.

The awards were hosted by BBC Springwatch presenter Chris Packham.

He said: “I am delighted to have been able to host the RSPB’s Nature of Scotland Awards for a second year.

“It was an honour to meet all of the worthy winners and learn more about the people driving some of the most important species and habitat work across the country.

“The passion, dedication and enthusiasm they have for conservation is inspiring and these awards provide the perfect platform for all of their efforts to be recognised.”