​If you've been doing research about Scotland you'll have no doubt heard about the notorious wee beastie that goes by the name of "Midge". Conversation usually goes something like "those BLOODY midges were everywhere!" Or "I've been eaten ALIVE!!". You may not recognise the name Scottish Midge , they are also known as "no see ums" in the states which I think is a pretty excellent and appropriate name for the little swines. 
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​For those unprepared they can indeed be a complete pain and can easily ruin your holiday but fear not, a few simple rules and some good midge repellent should make your trip to Scotland beastie free and let your enjoy your trip without the need to turn into a mad man/woman, swinging tennis bats/hand bags/frying pans around your head like you are doing the time warp. 

​Read on....
 
The Scottish Midge hates when the sun comes out, which is why so many are in Scotland I suppose ? What they do enjoy though is in the evening when they want to party! Even more so when you are situated near dense woodland or still water. If you are camping or sitting outside and one finds you they will bring their friends!
They tend to come out from late spring to late summer and seem to prefer the Highlands over the Lowlands so a trip to Dumfries and Galloway in March is likely to be absolutely fine but a trip to Glencoe in July and you should go prepared. They aren't the same as mosquitos, they are much smaller, mosquitos aren't really found in Scotland and if you do happen to see them they definitely won't be the type to carry malaria.
Did you know it's only the females that bite, men say what you like about that. They hang out with all their friends until they smell food, then fly toward the source in a big freaky cloud. 

​Callander is known as one of the gateways to the Highlands. On the edge of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park it's the ideal place for you to base yourself if you want to explore the park or further afield. You will find everything you need, including a supermarket so if your itinerary includes some more remote sights basing yourself here will ensure a lovely meal in one of the many restaurants and the ability to nip out and grab a bar of chocolate when you fancy. Id never visited Callander before but I'd heard many people talk of staying there so I was happy last week when I was finally able to see it for myself. Myself, Taylor and my wee pup stayed at Loch Earn Leisure Park, about half an hour further north, on the banks of Loch Earn but spent a lot of time in this lovely town as there is plenty to see. Overlooked by the Callander Crags, part of the Highland boundary fault, and the mighty Ben Ledi it has a stunning backdrop too. 
Callander has an amazing range of small and quirky independent shops and cafes, all housed in beautiful historic buildings. I loved walking down the Main Street and felt the urge to explore inside almost every shop, the window displays certainly draw you in.