Edinburgh academic says midges should not deter campers despite being 'eaten alive' on Highland trip

‘They are pretty resourceful at finding weakness in your defences. I have bites inside my ears and in my nostrils.’

An Edinburgh academic has reassured campers they should not be put off visiting the Highlands due to midges, despite claiming to have “no legs left” after being attacked by the wee pests.

Alan Mackie, who teaches at Edinburgh University, said he was “eaten alive” by midges during his latest hiking trip in the Cairngorms.

The camper shared a shocking video showing an obscene amount of the pesky insects sprawling all over his tent.

“It was the worst experience I have personally had with midges in all my time walking and camping,” Alan said.

"But, you shouldn't let them put you off camping in Scotland.

"If you go prepared, camping allows you to see rugged and remote Scotland in all its beauty.”

Midges swarming inside Alan Mackie's tent during his trip to the Highlands

Alan was camping in Gleann an t-Slugain on Friday morning when he saw the overwhelming scourge of midges around him.

"We were well protected,” he added.

“I have a lot of experience of the midge, so I went well prepared.

"Though, my trousers had vents in the back that I discovered too late, so I wasn’t that well prepared.

"They are pretty resourceful at finding weakness in your defences. I have bites inside my ears and in my nostrils. Very unpleasant.

"I think this has been a vintage year for them. I have no legs left. Just bites.”

Alan said he believed the midges were particularly bad due to the low 2mph wind.

The outdoor enthusiast recommends the product ‘Smidge’ to any of those wishing to brave the Highlands while the weather is calm.

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