A video of a hillwalker's battle with a swarm of midges has become an unexpected internet hit.

Craig McLaren was leading a group of walkers on a trek into the Cairngorms when the bugs descended.

Mr McLaren, who works as an education officer with Falkirk Outdoors, pulled out his iPod and recorded the ordeal.

The video has since been watched more than 250,000 times.

He said: "We knew when we were coming down the mountain that it was going to be bad. When we were moving it was OK, but when we stopped they swarmed us.

"When it's like that there's nothing you can do - it was was the worst I've seen in my life. Locals we spoke to said it's the worst it's been for 40 years.

"The lesson is to be prepared and keep moving."

There are about 40 varieties of midges found in Scotland but the Highland midge is the most common.

Damp, muggy weather with little or no wind creates the perfect conditions for the notorious bug.