• Midges are attracted to carbon dioxide

• Midges are blown away on the breeze

• Midges feed from warm-blooded animals before reproducing

• Midges breed in warm, damp conditions are can be prolific by rivers and lochs

• The female midge is the one that bites (presumably the male ones just laze around…)

• Midges do not like strong sunlight and prefer to come out at dawn and at dusk

• Midges dislike the cold

• Midges are attracted to electric light

• The midge bite is best left alone, after an initial rub.  A small lump will appear.  If scratched the irritation will last longer and some say it will repeat again 24 hours later

• Midges dislike ‘bog myrtle’ a plant growing wild.  They also particularly dislike ‘Jungle Formula’ and Avon ‘Skin-So-Soft’ (workers building the Skye Bridge were regarded as the best smelling workers across the land, as they used an abundance of the latter product).

• Midges love to nibble after dark. 

• There is no record of midges spreading disease.

 So here is some basic advice:

• When you first become aware of midges, create a breeze by running around. And try not to breathe…

• Open bedroom and bathroom windows ONLY when lights are out.

• Barbecue early and in direct sunlight.

• The consumption of strong alcohol (i.e. Whisky) is not a deterrent to the persistent Midge – but does help to numb the ‘pain’.  Take internally.

• Avoid wearing the kilt

We are delighted to announce that in this area the midge problem is slight compared to other western and northern areas.  We are reliably informed that the midge problem is slowly migrating southwards. (No doubt when it reaches London a task force will be set up to deal with the problem).

But in the meantime PLEASE don’t let the little ‘blighters’ spoil your holiday.  Humans and midges CAN live peacefully side by side.