Message Forums

>>>  Don't bother with t-shirts and shorts and take jumper's and waterproof's.  <<<

Early in June my wife bought me a waterproof jacket so that I would be dry during the morning and evening dog walking sessions. We also bought the 2 dogs little waterproof coats.

We have used both mine and the dogs coats twice!!!!!

My usual daily attire during the summer is sandals, no socks, joggy bottoms, T-shirt and a waistcoat. No jumpers and certainly no waterproofs.

Last summer we spent the entire month of August on a tour of the Western Isles. The waterproofs did not come out of the locker and I do not remember ever wanting to wear our fleeces.

Yes, I suppose there could be the odd time when you may want waterproofs and something warmer than usual but to suggest to anyone that just because they are coming north that they should leave their summer clothing behind is rediculous.

PS. If it was too cold to wear shorts, Kilts would be ankle length.

Quote: Originally posted by ashwellgirl on 31/7/2009

---

We are off to Scotland on Friday night too.  What way do you go?  We go up the A1 and then cut accross on the A66 and then up.  We've found this the easiest way.  Don't bother with t-shirts and shorts and take jumper's and waterproof's.  The great thing about Scottish rain is that you will have a shower and then sunshine until the next shower.  And the scenery is still beautiful even when it's pouring it down.  I'm sure you will have a wonderful time and drink plenty of the fine Scottish water to keep you warm lol

---

Nonsense man! Def pack your shorts...I wear shorts all year round, as soon as home from work..into the shorts!  So long as you warm on top half I find the old legs can cope.

Was it not Billy Connolly who said, "There's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes!"

I'm sure you will have a great holiday..because if nothing else the welcome you get will be so warming you could just wear a vest!!!  Remember skin so soft though for the "Midges"

The trossachs is a beautiful part of scotland.  we stayed there in a log cabin a few years ago ( just a few miles out of Callander opposite a loch )..I think thats the forest site you might mean?  We made a day trip to Oban which has to be done...we took the ferry to Mull and the scenery was stunning.

The only downside, especially if you have a dog ( or wear shorts !! ) are the ticks....esp on the forest trails or any long grass in fact.  I took two dogs with me when we went.  One day I walked up into the forest and both ME and the dogs came back plastered in tiny ticks...when I realised what they were I brushed the ones off me ( thank god I had trousers on ! ) then brushed both dogs.  However, they both came back home with several ticks.  If I went again I would definately go to the vet and get the absolute best possible product to keep ticks off the dogs.

The midges were less bothersome to be honest.

But, the area is magical ( even in the rain ! )and more than makes up for the wee beasties ! 

Hi Genie04, Ticks, often mis-named Sheep Ticks, are most often found (and spread) by Deer and they are to be found anywhere that the Deer have been.

I thought that all dogs were treated with an anti-tick treatment, but clearly I am wrong. We certainly do and either Advantix (from the Vet) or Frontline (from the supermarket) every 6 weeks or every month if you live in an area where Deer are seen often, will keep the little blighters at bay.

Cobleland where the author if this topic is going, is within walking distance of Aberfoyle. We have used it a number of times. It sits on the banks of the River Forth and there are bicycles for hire on site.

There are several good Anti-Midge sprays available up here that are based on extracts from Bog Myrtle.

Bog Myrtle has been used in Scotland for centuries to combet the dreaded Midge and it is very effective.
Now blended with the extracts of "more fragrent" herbs such as Lavender, I am still on my first bottle of the season and I have not been bitten yet!!!!

See HERE.

Lobey dosser...yes, indeed....deer.  But No, I don't routinely put any flea or tick product on my dogs as I don't like to use uneccesary chemicals.  We don't have alot of ticks round here ( though occasionally the cats come back with one or two )... fleas I treat by bathing ( and treat the carpets instead ! ).  If I go to Scotland again, however, I would make an exception and purchase a product such as Frontline. 

I hate the things...if I got one on me I think I'd have to be knocked out before turning hysterical !

We can only purchase Frontline thro the vet, not available to buy over the counter in vets, at least not where we live.  We don't use frontline all the time, about twice over the summer period usually about does it.

Quote: Originally posted by feeblecat on 02/8/2009

---

We can only purchase Frontline thro the vet, not available to buy over the counter in vets, at least not where we live.  We don't use frontline all the time, about twice over the summer period usually about does it.

---

Our local Co-op sells Frontline and I got a 6-pack for our two dogs this year.

Up until now I have used Advantix from the vet because it works slightly differently, bu this year I forgot and needed some in a hurry just before going off on a trip.

We often see deer walking right through the village, hence our concern in keeping the dogs well protected during the summer.