Midges on The Isle of Skye

Q. In the height of summer I wonder if anyone can comment on how good/bad the 'midges' situation can be on the Isle of Skye in Scotland?

I've heard one or two scare stories which do put me off planning trips there.

Is it really that bad?

Mark Watson, London

A. We just spent a week on Skye in August and the midges were bad - but don't let them put you off.

I used to spend a week in May every year on Skye with my family and that's a good time to go - before peak midge/tourist season but you can still get good weather.

However, if you have to go in summer, there are things you can do to reduce the annoyance.

Use Jungle Formula or another DEET-based repellent. Invest in a micro-net hood to cover your face.

Have some citronella candles or incense sticks to burn. They're worst around dawn and dusk, so try to stay inside at those times.

A wind of more than 2mph is enough to prevent them flying, so camp on the coast if possible where it's more likely there'll be a breeze.

Avoid stagnant water or bogs if possible. Wear long sleeves if they are about. Keep tents zipped, especially sleeping compartments, to prevent them getting inside and biting whilst you sleep.

Make sure you pack oralantihistamines like chlorphenamine (Piriton) and cetirizine (Piriteze) to reduce the itch if you do get bitten (chlorphenamine at bedtime will also help you sleep despite the itch), and topical antihistamines like Anthisan to apply to bites.

Saltwater can help reduce itch and heal bites, so paddle or swim in the sea if possible (this is purely anecdotal, and you need to stay safe if swimming).

We did get bitten because we didn't start doing some of these things, like the repellent and micro-nets, straight away, but once we did we found that we were bitten much less and some days not at all.

Skye is a beautiful and magical place, so please don't let the prospect of midges put you off visiting - with good planning and a few precautions you CAN have a fantastic summer holiday despite the wee biting beasties!

Ruth Hilton-Robinson, Peterborough

A. It was a catastrophy. We stayed at the camping ground Sligachan for two nights. No wind. Those little critters came upon us like an army. In the toilets, in the tent, in the clothes. We took down our tent in the morning, one of the worst things we ever had to do. They were upon us, everywhere. Zillions. I have never, ever seen anything like that. Skye is incredible, but those midges.......We'll never go there again

Brigitta Schlieper, Troon

A. Try Avon dry oil spray to repel midges. The Britsh Army use it abroad and say it really works. Numerous reports say it is very effective.

June Coaten, Preston, Lancs

A. I was in Scotland in August last year, and again 3 weeks ago. I can vouch for the fact that the midges drive you up the bloody wall!!

If you can imagine standing there while a dozen people tickle your neck/head/face with the tip of a feather, then that's what it feels like.

I used an insect deterrent spray which they rather seemed to like, unfortunately!

I went round Skye/Mull/The Cairngorms/Moray Firth/Loch Ness, and loved it so much that I consider the midges a price worth paying.

Don't let them keep you away.

Harry King, Dartford, Kent

A. Living and walking a lot on Skye we find that tales of midges do tend to get a bit exaggerated. As long as there is a breeze the midges will not bother you too much so best advice is to head up a hill. They are worst in damp, humid weather and they tend to hang around water and heather.

Wearing light coloured clothing does help a bit - but nothing really beats DEET-based insect repellents - this stuff is strong so its best to spray it on a hat rather than straight on your skin.

In my experience any of the more natural products don't really work although they smell better.

The midges have not been bad this year so far - but I suppose that could all change!

Helen Webster, Staffin

A. The best solution I have found is Avon's Skin So Soft moisturiser (which is now a recognised midge deterrent). Get the spray version which is easier to apply and spray all exposed skin as soon as you see midges. I use that in conjunction with taking an extra strength vitamin C tablet just before I go out. I used to be a magnet for midges. I do still occasionally get bitten but it is rare even when I can see midges about. And Skye is wonderful, the Cuillins are the Best View in Britain. Lucky me I'm off to Skye this Friday.

Tony Evans, Shrewsbury

A. Also see Camping and The Scottish Midge

A. For the latest forecast with respect to Midges in Scotland - see The Midge Forecast.

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

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