Avon’s Skin So Soft This moisturiser was not created as a midge fighter but for some reason, someone realised it works against the beasties.

Scotland is not unique with its biting beasties population but, certainly, many people will have heard of the fierce Scottish midge. Leaving a living room light on with a window ajar is an open invitation to a midge, so keep everything closed tightly. Millions of travellers take holidays in Scotland every year, so all you have to do is remember our handy tips on how to keep the midges away. Not only this, but midges are able to detect carbon dioxide from up to 200 metres away, so if you find yourself walking through the Highlands, moving from drive to drive on the first grouse shoot of the season or stalking stags, they will be able to sense your location and zoom in. Midges are small biting insects found in the Scottish Highlands and the west coast that are part of the Ceratopogonidae family of midges.The best method to stop being bitten in the Highlands is to use a repellent and to recognise the conditions when midges are likely to be most active and avoid going out in them. While it is not officially mentioned by Avon that this product, infused with natural oils and citronella aroma offers the best midge protection, it comes highly recommended by the Marines and the SAS.

Midges prefer dark colours as they detect contrasts in colours such as dark objects on a light background. The other reason some suggest it works is due to the use of citronella in the ingredients which again repels mosquitos. The 150ml light green/blue bottle contains a specially formulated, pleasantly scented, non-greasy oil spray, which when applied after bathing or showering, absorbs into the skin quickly and locks in moisture. After a long day hiking through the Highlands you’ll no doubt be desperate for a shower, after which the last thing you’ll want to do is slather your body with yet more insect repellent.Another popular anti-midge spray is Avon Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil Body Spray (also available in a pack of 3). Unlike many insect repellents it doesn’t use DEET and instead uses Picaridin which is recommended by a number of health authorities in Scotland.