Bites after day in the woods

[JPTB]

7yo was playing in the woods yesterday, in the car home he complained of an itchy head. When I got home I noticed he had a fair few bites in his scalp. My toddler has a couple too, but not nearly as many as the 7yo who was much more in the woods.
Any ideas what it could be? I've just researched ticks and don't think it's that. Can't see any ticks. Bites are quite small. Thanks.

P.S. We are in Scotland, if that matters.

[Seeline]

If it's Scotland, it's probably midges. Vicious little things!

I would have thought ticks would be unlikely on the head, and may still be attached if they were.

[winefortea]

Midgies, I'd say! Mine get them when they've been in the woods.

[Witchend]

Tickc generally stay in the bite so it's unlikely to be that.

[JPTB]

Ah yeah - there were a few of those around - I'd forgotten! Thanks!
I seem to have escaped being bitten. Poor kids!
Relieved it's not ticks, at least.