Beyond the Midges: Are Ticks a Real Threat for Tourists in Scotland?

Jeff Salt
Aug 21
5 min read

Beyond the Midges: Are Ticks a Real Threat for Tourists in Scotland?: A Complete guide

When you picture a Scottish holiday, your mind likely fills with images of dramatic glens, ancient castles, and serene lochs. You might also, if you’ve done your research, dread the infamous midge—the tiny biting fly that haunts the Highlands in summer. But there’s another, often overlooked, creature that warrants your attention: the tick. For tourists exploring Scotland's breathtaking wilderness, understanding the risk posed by ticks is not about fostering fear, but about fostering preparedness for a safe and utterly enjoyable trip.

Your Scottish adventure often begins with arrival into a major hub. Whether you’re taking a Glasgow to Edinburgh Airport Taxi to catch a connecting flight or heading straight into the city, the urban environment feels a world away from the heather-clad hills where ticks reside. It's easy to assume that these pests are someone else's problem. However, Scotland's great outdoors is remarkably accessible. A short drive from any major city plunges you into stunning countryside where ticks are a established part of the ecosystem. The question isn't if you'll go there, but how to be smart when you do.

What Exactly Are Ticks?

Ticks are small, spider-like arachnids that survive by feeding on the blood of animals and, sometimes, humans. They are not insects. They are most prevalent in areas with long grass, dense undergrowth, bracken, and woodland, from the Borders right up to the Northern Isles. They don’t jump or fly; instead, they exhibit a behavior called "questing," where they cling to the tips of vegetation with their back legs and reach out with their front legs, waiting to brush onto a passing host.

The Real Risk: Lyme Disease

The primary concern with tick bites is the potential transmission of Lyme disease, a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Not all ticks carry the bacteria, but a percentage in Scotland do. The key thing to know is that transmission is not instantaneous. A tick usually needs to be attached and feeding for more than 24 hours to pass on the bacteria. This makes early and correct removal absolutely critical.

Symptoms of Lyme disease can be serious if left untreated. The most famous early sign is a distinctive circular "bull's-eye" rash (called erythema migrants) that can appear around the bite 3 to 30 days later. However, not everyone gets this rash. Flu-like symptoms—fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle and joint aches—are also common. If untreated, later stages can lead to more severe neurological and joint problems.

Where and When Are Ticks Active in Scotland?

Ticks in Scotland are active from early spring through to late autumn, with their peak season typically being between May and October. This coincides perfectly with the main tourist season. They are found across the country but are particularly prevalent in the Highlands and Islands, including popular destinations like:

The West Highland Way (and other long-distance trails)
The Cairngorms National Park
The Isle of Skye and other Hebridean islands
Wooded areas and deer parks throughout the country

It’s a myth that you only find them in remote wilderness. A walk through a city park on the outskirts of Glasgow or Edinburgh that has a significant population of deer or sheep could also put you at risk.

Practical Prevention: Your Best Defense

The good news is that with simple precautions, the risk of being bitten and getting ill is very low. Enjoying Scotland’s landscapes is a privilege, and you shouldn’t let ticks stop you. Follow these steps:

Clothing is Key: Wear long trousers tucked into your socks and long-sleeved shirts. It might not be the height of fashion, but it creates a physical barrier. Light-cultured clothing makes ticks easier to spot.
Use Insect Repellent: Apply an insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin to exposed skin and your clothing. Always follow the product instructions.
Stick to the Path: Avoid wading through long grass and dense undergrowth where ticks are waiting.
Perform Daily Tick Checks: This is the most important step. At the end of each day outdoors, thoroughly check your entire body, including hidden areas like armpits, groin, waistband, and scalp. Don’t forget to check your children and pets.
Shower Soon After Being Outdoors: This can help wash off unattached ticks and is a good opportunity for a check.

After a fulfilling trip exploring the wilds of Argyll or the Grampian Mountains, the last thing you want is to end your journey with a hassle. A reliable and comfortable transfer service ensures a smooth transition back to civilization. Booking a Glasgow International Airport taxi in advance means you can relax and reflect on your adventures in the Highlands without worrying about navigating public transport with your luggage, giving you one less thing to think about after a week in the great outdoors.

What to Do If You Find a Tick Attached

Don’t panic. Remember, the risk of infection is low if removed quickly.

Remove it Immediately: Use fine-tipped tweezers or a proper tick removal tool.
Grasp it Correctly: Grab the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible, at its mouthparts.
Pull Gently: Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.
Clean Up: Thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
Do Not: Use folklore remedies like Vaseline, nail polish, or heat to try and suffocate the tick. This can stress it and cause it to regurgitate into the bite wound, increasing the risk of infection.

Seeking Medical Advice

Monitor the bite site. If you develop a rash (especially a bull's-eye rash) or experience flu-like symptoms within weeks of the bite, see a doctor immediately. Tell them you had a tick bite and when it happened. Lyme disease is treatable with a course of antibiotics, and early treatment is highly effective.

The Verdict for Tourists

So, are ticks a real threat for tourists in Scotland? The answer is nuanced. The potential threat is real due to the presence of Lyme disease. However, the actual risk to any individual tourist who takes sensible precautions is very low. Ticks are a common hazard in many beautiful places around the world, from North America to Europe, and Scotland is no different.

By being aware, dressing appropriately, using repellent, and performing thorough daily tick checks, you can dramatically reduce any risk. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Scottish countryside—from its misty lochs to its majestic mountains—with confidence and peace of mind. Don’t let the tiny tick overshadow the immense joy of exploring one of the world’s most stunning countries. Prepare, prevent, and proceed to have the adventure of a lifetime.