Hardy geraniums like G. macrorrhizum tough it out in shade. Tellima grandiflora is just finishing, so flowers in early summer. Fuchsias tolerate shade, especially the F. magellanica types.
These are not typical woodland plants, but both busy lizzies and begonias thrive in shade and flower in summer.

Have you tried looking in GoYpedia. Click on S in the A-Z at the foot of the page and then on Shade plants to see lots of different ones which are suitable. I see you prefer to buy small plants as do I. I think they establish better than big versions. If you live anywhere near Musselburgh Inwood Garden is open 2 x a week and have really lovely grounds showing shade plants to best advantage and a very good plant sales table.

Many thanks. Beattie I love Fushias but would nver have thought to put them in these condition. I'm going to give that a go. Scotsgran, we are in Portobello so couldn't be closer to Musselburgh...how have I never come across Inwood Garden? I've looked it up and it looks fantastic...schools finish on Friday and that is definately going on my list of things to do. Thank you so much...plant advice AND a day trip...excellent!

Just don't expect the level of flowering that you would in sun or even in part shade, Gaia. They produce some flowers but not as many when in shade.

That's fine.... I like to experiment, and a bit of colour is better than none at all. Also going to give bizzy lizzy's and begonias a try...I've always associated them with my granny, but I've learnt that gardening isn't all about what I like. Sometimes it's about what will grow in the space. Thanks again

They used to be Carberry Candles Gaia if you know where that is. Macplants near Tranent are another smashing nursery. You will get plenty of ideas there. Then there is Kevock who are open now and again - it is their garden which is is a woodland garden on a steep hillside. We were given walking sticks to help us along. They are not allowed customers in to the nursery because of difficult access. If you are heading to North Berwick or Dunbar to go to the beach drop in on the East Linton garden centre which is just off the old A1 at East Linton. He has very good plants at very reasonable prices. If you go down past East Linton Church there is a garden centre up a long drive on the left could be Phantassie. It is a walled garden with a tearoom. It is sign posted.