The National Trust for Scotland has shared a horrifying image of thousands of midges swarming a camper's tent in the Cairngorms.

In a post shared on Twitter/X, the body which protects Scotland's natural, cultural and historic sites, said: "Ah, summer in Scotland!"

The image, which is credited to the Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve, shows a green tent situated at the foot of a hill surrounded by thousands of midges.

Users were quick to respond to the disturbing picture with one person writing on the social media platform: "I have to ask, rain, or midges?" to which the National Trust for Scotland responded: "Midges!"

Another user joked: "Fewer than normal," while a third said: "Good news - it's Autumn now!"

What are Midges and when are they most common?

According to the University of Cambridge, midges, like mosquitos, are a type of 'lower fly' in the Diptera classification.

These insects are typified by long antennas with many of these species posing a threat to human health.

Scottish midges are most common between the months of May and September. They are mostly found in wet and marshy areas.

Recommended Reading: 

When is midge season in Scotland? All you need to know to avoid them 

What's the difference between Scottish midges and mosquitos?

While Scottish midges and mosquitos both suck blood, it is only the female midge that bites other animals.

Scottish midges are also tiny, being about about 1-3mm in size. They are also usually grey unless recently fed in which case they turn red.