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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Alexander Smail

Scots wild camper covered in hundreds of 'brutal' midge bites as he issues warning

A Scot was left covered in hundreds of red and painful midge bites on his legs after going wild camping in the countryside.

Ewan Murie from Dunfermline was visiting Rannoch Moor in the Scottish Highlands on a camping trip when he was feasted on by the blood-sucking insects.

He is now warning others of the "nightmare" midges after vowing never to camp in the beauty spot again. He added that midges were "100 per cent" the cause for the sore and itchy spots on his legs.

In gruesome photos, red dots can be seen all over Ewan's legs, from his thigh to his ankle. Midge bites often look similar to mosquito bites - they leave small, red lumps that can be painful and very itchy on the surface of the skin.

Alongside the images, Ewan wrote: "Rannoch Moor," before stating: "Will never camp in that location again. Was a nightmare."

Since being shared on Facebook, fellow campers were quick to share their thoughts on the jaw-dropping images.

Ewan was camping at Rannoch Moor when he was set upon by midges (Ewan Murie)

"I’m NOT going camping," a first said, while a second echoed: "I will never be going there then".

"Thats f*****g brutal," a third simple wrote, and a fourth shared: "This would put me off for life."

However, another Facebook user argued: "If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen. Midges are a fact of West Highland life."

Others, meanwhile, offered suggestions on how to minimise the risk of midge bites when out and about in Scotland.

The photos show how important it is to properly prepare for midges when camping in Scotland, especially near wetland where they are most common. (Ewan Murie)

One commented: "Drink concentrated lime juice before you go, half a cup every day for a week or so and they wont come near you."

"Raw lavender they hate that," posted a second, while another joked: "Try wearing troosers next time!"

Midges are tiny flying insects that are particularly common in wet and overcast conditions. They are notorious in Scotland for ruining many days out in the Highlands with their bites.

The Daily Record has put together a list of tips to avoid midge bites in Scotland this summer. Additionally, those heading out into the countryside should check the 'midge forecast' to avoid the blood-sucking pests.

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