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Hi - we're planning a 3 week trip to Scotland this August in a motorhome. We're concerned that parts of Scotland have a reputation for biting midges, especially on the west coast.

I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has camped in Scotland and would welcome views on whether midges really are a problem, any techniques that work for keeping them at bay, and any places to avoid.

Many thanks, Jonny

Look here 

We use Avon so soft, it works for us.

Loved the picture lol.

Stick to the east and you will be fine.

Can't help thinking the midge thing is over hyped.  Personally we are never bothered either at home or away.

Quote: Originally posted by IainM on 01/3/2009

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Can't help thinking the midge thing is over hyped.  Personally we are never bothered either at home or away.

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My thoughts exactly.  I have been troubled by midges on sites in England more than I ever have been here in Scotland.

Can't say I've found them to as much of a nuisance as some people would think. Having said that you do find  the folk that are jumping about flapping their arms all over the place are usually the ones getting eaten alive !!

If only they realised they were performing the great Midge Mating Ritual !!

Little tip for you all.
take garlic pills, the cheap ones will do, 99p from most places. 
Take for at least 4 weeks before your trip every day.
If you do this you will be unlucky if you get 2 bites.
hope that helps.

floppy

Quote: Originally posted by Bernie47 on 01/3/2009

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I find that getting my ankles nipped by a wild haggis is much more infuriating than a mere midge bite. 

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Hi there, we were there in July last year and at times there were alot of the little buggers around. We did use skin so soft but also got some really good strong spray from Millets as well. We always had the mossie nets shut on the van. We were not bitten once at night or during the day while walking. We used the millet spray after showering in the morning then kept topping up with this again during the day. We sprayed the skin so soft daily onto the mossies nets on the van to stop them wanting to come in. Another tip is use unscented shower gels and shampoo. Unscented anti pers and do not wear aftershave or perfume. Just some hints and it worked for us.. Good luck and enjoy the trip, it really is a wonderful place to be...

Oh and we did invest in one of the electric mossie killers you plug into the mains. We had this on in the awning and i know it worked because i empited hundreds of the little blighters out of it every day. I think is was only about 15 quid from Towsure. We now always have it on in the awning in the summer months...

Quote: Originally posted by Bernie47 on 01/3/2009

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I find that getting my ankles nipped by a wild haggis is much more infuriating than a mere midge bite. 

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Lots to think about there - thank you to all who replied!

Jonny