Mull

Yikes!All those midges, do hope you don't come across them Greenfinch.I was basing the August thing on past experiences, but they don't always obey the calendar so may be early or late depending on weather conditions.

Thanks for the suggestions Cari which I will take on board (literally !)
I have never heard of shut the box.

"bag of midges"*anno*. The mind boggles !

Many pubs and hotels in the Highlands and islands now have 'midge-eating' traps. They exude some kind of hormone which attracts the insects and they are caught in a bag. I've seen the results (in Mull) which were remarkable. It's surprising how much a bag of midges weighs! You might be lucky, Greenfinch and find a pub with one of these gadgets.

Thanks newist.We know Barra, North Uist and Benbecula and are looking forward to experiencing the Inner Hebrides though the journey will be long as we live in Berkshire. My ancestors came from The Western Isles and lived there until the Clearances and beyond. It is strange that I always feel very much at home in the area.

I am sure you and your family will have a lovely holiday Greenfinch

I'm beginning to feel quite itchy already . At least we will be prepared for the worst !

Generally not always though, they make an appearance when there's no wind, not bright sunshine, what I would call a muggy day, there are always exceptions though

It is said the wind helps to keep midges away, but it's better if you can still stand upright when its blowing.

I don't know where you got that information, roses, I well remember when we were caravanning in Wester Ross one July, that we had to give up and move to the East coast because the midges were just intolerable. Even the poor dog was suffering and we found that the only safe place was under water.

Also, just as an added precaution, take some tweezers or a little tick removal gadget, in the past 2 days I have had to remove 4 ticks and that wasn't in long grass. I wish the midges here would stick to calendar months to appear, we can even get them in the winter if the conditions are right.

The midges descend in August Greenfinch, other months are felt to be ok.
Have a lovely time there, it sounds a wonderful peaceful place.

SiL uses e-cigarettes . Wonder if that will have the same effect !

SkinSoSoft is a must-even the mountain shops sell it. The other midge deterrent is a pipe if anyone feels like taking up smoking......?!?

We stayed on the shores of Loch Lomond a few years ago, in July, and I swore never again in midge season! They left hubby alone, but they nearly ate me alive, a most unpleasant experience, it spoiled what should have been a wondrous time in the most beautiful of surroundings. We`ve been several times though to Soop`s part of the world, in July and August, and never even seen midges, we must have been extremely lucky.

May and June are the best months for avoiding midges. September is usually safe - you must have been unlucky, Nellie. Once they've had the first of the autumn storms, the little brutes hibernate!

We went to Ardamurchan In June last year staying by the edge of Loch Sunart. Not a single midge. Maybe they just didn't find us tasty but to be honest we didn't see any flying around. My friend from Girvan told me we would be ok in June. However the OP is asking about August and hopefully some of the tips suggested will be helpful to her.

I first went to Ardnamurchan just across from Mull in September.

When I arrived about 6pm ish the group I was with were sitting in the garden with their drinks. I went into the bar to buy mine and when I came out everyone had fled indoors as the midges suddenly descended.

we went in October, NO midges!

Good to know of a nice pub ,thanks. I am beginning to fear these midges though. We will go well prepared.

There's a lovely pub at Tobermory called the Mishnish, Greenfinch! It's right opposite the ferry pier. We've stayed on Mull a few times and it's a really lovely place. Just a wee short trip over to Iona as well.
As far as the dreaded midge is concerned, the only thing that works for me is Avon Original Woodland Fresh bath oil. Put a little on the palm of your hands, rub them together and dab lightly on exposed areas - including your hair. Have a great trip!

Sounds marvellous. Would love to see some puffins. Once went on a puffin boat trip from Bournemouth and managed to see half a puffin!. Just a beak !

Looked them up and was so surprised to see they do residential courses, with all meals and trips included, for just £100 a day- planning to go next year with OH now- can't wait to see puffins, never seen any, ever. Oh wow.

Thanks so much to all of you who have taken the trouble to respond. I am going to take up each and every one of your suggestions as they are so apt.It has made me quite excited about our trip and I am looking forward to the peace and quiet. For those of you who know the island we will be staying at Fishnish.

Now can't remember the exact name- but we did a Mull guided 'safari' some years back- in a minibus with books and binoculars provided, expert advice and best locations found, + coffee and biscuits and lunch- seeing the White Tailed Eagles was wonderful and we then spent the afternoon watching otters feed and play at several locations- wonderful.