by reekaroonie » 23 Aug 2006 17:23
From the Daily Telegraph 07/08/2006.Burning citronella will help to deter midges, but those in the know, including the Royal Marines guarding the nuclear base at Faslane on Scotland's west coast, call on an unexpected source for all their midge needs: Avon.
The cosmetic company's Skin So Soft range does more than guarantee velvety-soft upper arms after a bath: it's also a powerful midge-repellent. The Soft & Fresh Dry Oil Body Spray (£2; avonshop.co.uk) provides an oily protective layer so effective that the soldiers buy it in bulk.
"Obviously we don't market our product as a midge-repellent, but its reputation has spread by word of mouth," says Lydia Durkan of Avon. "We know that film crews use it a lot when they are up in Scotland and Mel Gibson used it when he was making Braveheart here. We're very pleased that it's proving so popular."
Locals aren't immune to midge attacks, of course, but they tend to be more sanguine about their seasonal plagues. Yes, midges may blight barbecues, they may put something of a dampener on the Scottish summer, but at least they perform one useful function: ensuring the English don't outstay their welcome.