This is very far north for a walnut tree, is there a kind of micro climate here?

No, Andy, it's always cold here. There are two walnut trees in this estate, and I believe there are some in nearby Bonhill. Cheers, Joe

I read somewhere that walnut trees struggle to grow north of Southern England unless trained on an esplanade up a sheltered south-facing wall! Obviously that's balderdash!
I also love walnuts, and even pickled walnuts (I brought back a jar of Opie's for Christmas, I wonder what my girlfriend will think of them). My Mum and I are the only members of my family that like them!

I love walnuts, Andy. I have picked up a few walnuts from the base of this tree, just to show people that it is a walnut tree. I get my walnuts from Holland and Barrett. Cheers, Joe

I bet they don't sell pickled walnuts!

I don't think they do.