Best time to visit Scotland to avoid midges etc.!

BlondeHeadOn

I'd like to plan a touring holiday of Scotland, but it is about 30 years since I was last there. Does anyone have any tips on the best times to go, as I want to avoid the dreaded midges etc. ?

littlereddevil

It depends where you go in scotland as it is mainly the west coast that has midges. And worst in august. But many areas don't have them believe me I live here.

mynameisclare

We went to the West Coast (Arisaig) in late September and there was no problem with midges at all. I did get a tick though, bleugh!

sunshine6650

I didnt know they had midges! i went to glasgow in November..want any if there was i didnt know!!

mykitten

Normally its anyway from Loch Lomond upwards gets them. Places near water/trees are a good feeding ground for them. Avons Skin so soft spray oil is a good repellant, or a fire for the smoke to disperse the critters. Never had a midgie bit in Glasgow or surrounding areas, mostly been bitten at Loch Lomond area just at the loch side. Citronella candles are good if you are out camping.

aberdeen

come to aberdeen we dont have midgies only rain or frost

thefellow

Perth as well-no midgies!!!

But we do have bears,wolves,snakes,pumas and giraffe:D

aberdeen

thats where our giraffes went :j

stan747

there are plenty of good repelllents on the market but none are totally effective, i keep hearing rumours about a certain avon deodorant which is very effective that may be worth looking into, we camp july-august on a friends island off luss but we taks a bullfinch lamp with the glass removed and have a small fire going at night, the smoke keeps a lot away and the bullfinch attracts all insects and the incinerate themselves when they come into contact with the wick.
if your going to camp, make sure you spray your bedding and inside of your tent with repellants as you will find they gather inside during the day.
i got myself a battery powered bug killer from a pharmacy down south, cost about £20 but works a treat hung up in the tent, just leave it on with the tent zipped up for an hour before you hit the sack.

racer256

I would say it depends on when you are planning. Possibly late summer, early autumn as it gets colder. It is very pretty in the snow lol. I use a lemongrass spray from Boy Shop to prevent being bitten. Hope it helps.

ramk_

I'm from an island off the west coast, and I reckon May-time is a good time to visit - just before the midges! Plus if the last few years are anything to go by, the weather has been much better April/May than in summer. Unfortunately you can't guarantee the weather at any time of the year though. Hope you have a good time! oh and I use skin so soft spray from avon to avoid the midges - seems to work.