Popular tour questions #1 - what are midges?

26th May 2026 - We are often asked about a tiny biting insect occasionally encountered in the summer months  - the infamous highland midge! What are they? Do we need cream? Are they dangerous?

Midges are miniscule gnat-like insects that can be very irritating as they arrive in 'clouds' if the wind drops below 7mph (you won't see them otherwise).  Although wind is an ever-present in the Highlands the most common time midges might become a problem is at dusk when the wind drops.

They're not dangerous (just very annoying) and the best way to manage them is with off the shelf insect repellent and/or finding somewhere that's breezy.  Only the females bite (they're attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale) but it's nothing like a mosquito bite - simply itchy.

Midges are part of the rich tapestry of the Highlands. Most Scots have a 'midge story' but the reality is they are unlikely to affect you on a Highland sightseeing tour.