Scotland's midge forecast is to expand to include predicted levels of ticks. The forecast is due to resume next month - but this time with a 'tick watch'.
It will involve people reporting regional levels of the insect, as well as climatic conditions conducive to ticks, to build a daily map. Leading midge expert Dr Alison Blackwell, whose company runs the forecast, said the 'tick watch' was in response to growing numbers and health concerns over the insect.
The move comes after calls that tick-borne diseases in Scotland should be mapped in a similar way to avalanche hazards. The tiny spider-like creatures can spread viral and bacterial infections - including Lyme disease - to humans.
