Midges in Scotland in August

[Toomanywheeliebinsagain]

Anyone got any experience of this ?
We were thinking of doing a camper in Scotland in August and have been hearing utter horror stories and wondered if people have any experience?

They can be annoying, but there are tips you can follow to camp in places less likely to be affected (particularly the East coast) - or at least to stop them becoming unbearable (pitch in the open, away from water, and facing into the breeze so that any midges congregrate behind the tent rather than in front of it).

These links have more advice:

www.caravanclub.co.uk/community/discussions/sites-touring/uk-sites-touring/Best-time-to-tour-Scotland-to-avoid-the-MIDGES/rt/492199/

www.campsites.co.uk/guides/camping-for-beginners/how-to-avoid-insects-while-camping

Plenty of people go there and survive :)

Thanks- we were planning Loch Lomond which I hear is bad

Loch Lomond is horrific for midges. Go coastal and pray for a wind

We stay at Loch Lomond (not camping) in the second half of August, stay about 200m from the water's edge and never had any problems with them at all. Been going for 15 years or so.

Thanks who knows. The advice is so conflicting!

I guess worse comes to comes to worse we can drive somewhere else

You can't know for sure. They are tiny do can't cope with wind. They come out at dusk near water and or trees so camp in the open in a breeze.
If you're in a camper though you can retreat inside or go to the pub. I really wouldn't let them stop you going.

It depends on what the weather has been like. If it's damp and warm, there'll be plenty on Loch Lomond!

You need Avon 'So Soft' products. I assume they still do it? I haven't looked at an Avon catalogue for years! For some reason, the wee beasties really don't like it! Citronella candles is also a must.

Oh and agree, don't let them stop you. If you haven't been to the West coast before, you don't know what you're missing. It is the most stunning scenery in the country - imho!

I'm Scottish so used to them and don't find them that much of a bother unless I'm cycling or doing the grass. Then I use insect repellant wipes. If sitting out I would have a citronella candle or similar.

Oh and I love Loch Lomond so think it is worth any annoyance midges would cause.

How close to the Loch? If it's next to it you'll be eaten alive! We got married next to the Loch but had to keep the marquee completely zipped because of the evil bastards. They do like me a lot though.

We stayed near Loch Lomond a couple of years ago in August. Can't say we noticed midges but the wasps ..... You couldn't sit outside anywhere and eat or drink. It was awful.