Plant ID please!

Hi
Could anyone tell me the name of this plant please. All I know is that my neighbour (who has the plant) believes it is some king of Scottish thistle, although I couldn't find any information to back this up. Many thanks.
Sam

 

Hi Sam

It's Acanthus Spinosos, aka Bears Breeches. Beautiful plant.

 

I love this plant =] I's got such a majestic appearance

 

Thanks ever so much for your (swift!) replies. I only signed up today and with a new garden I'll be badgering everyone and anyone for some expert advice!!
Thanks again
Sam

 

Good evening Sami and welcome to the site. It`s definitely Acanthus, are the leaves hard and spiky or soft and gentle? If hard, it`s spinosa if soft it`s mollis.:gnthb:

 

That's why I said Spinosos, those leaves looked distinctly prickly in the pic.

 

Mollis look the same, it`s only when you handle them that you find out the difference.:thumb:

 

I have a Mollis that isn't in the slightest bit spiky though...

Doesn't flower though!

 

I gave up growing Acanthus because of the fact that it spread it's seeds far and wide and it was the devil's own job to dig up unwanted plants with such long roots. Agree with the comments about the wonderful appearance in the border - such a stately plant......