Scotland in summer is when it's at its worst! The gentle warmth of the sunshine, the breathtaking landscapes, and... the relentless torment of the dreaded horsefly. The devil fly.

While the midge might be the infamous villain of the Highlands, the one the tourists query about due to their reputation, it these horseflies which are the true bane of any hiker's existence. You see, midges can be managed. They have their tricks, but their weaknesses. A dab of Skin So Soft, a strategic path around a swarm, a gust of wind, and one can navigate the midge menace with some form of sanity intact.

But horseflies? These fiendish creatures seem impervious to all deterrents. I've read forums and searched Google endlessly and I've found no recognised deterrent.

Oh, to dream of a summer in Scotland—long hikes up majestic hills, the crisp air filling your lungs, and the sun gracing the heather-clad slopes with its rare, occasional warmth. But wait, what's that persistent buzz? What's that on my neck. Not the gentle hum of bees doing good for the environment and having a purpose, or the distant chirping of birds. No, it's the hellish drone of a horsefly, or a whole army of them, ready to ruin your solace, your outdoor experience, your whole day!

The moment the temperature dares to rise, announcing the brief Scottish summer, these pests emerge from their lairs. They have an uncanny attraction to movement. Every step you take, every swat you make, they are following you. No amount of flailing arms or desperate swipes seems to dissuade them. In fact, it only seems to invigorate their pursuit. More movement, more flies. Unlike most buzzing annoyances like wasps, which one can escape with a sprint or a sudden change of direction, or a swarm of midges you can detour around, these tenacious little devils follow you with a persistence that would be admirable were it not so infuriating.

Many a glorious hike has been ruined by their determined buzzing, their infuriating bites. Just this morning, I thought perhaps an early start would evade their notice. A long trek through the hills with my dogs, the world asleep and silent. But again no, not a quarter-mile in, and there they were, buzzing around my head, diving at my ears and eyes. I am bald, shaved head and I thought/read that may attract them so put on a wooly hat. They still persisted and it just made me sweaty and clamy.

Hours spent in what should have been tranquil adventure with nature, reduced to a maddening dance of swatting and cursing. They are not deterred by loud swearing, just incase anyone is taking notes.

Midges might steal the spotlight with their notoriety, but it's these horseflies that deserve the real recognition in this country. They are the true bane of the Scottish summer. They are the devil’s deputy, ensuring that no good hike goes uninterrupted.

As I sit here, recovering from the drama, contemplating another summer overshadowed by these winged tormentors, I find myself longing for autumn and spring, when the hills will once again be free from their tyranny.

Until then, the hikes will have to wait, and the dogs can be bored walking around the streets away from the solace of nature.