A SCOTS hotelier has claims to have created a burger from midges which has he describes as a "delicacy" that has proved surprisingly popular with guests.
David Keat, who owns the Brander Lodge Hotel at Taynuilt, Argyll and Bute says the secret vegan recipe has been added to the menu to their Crunachy Bistro and has posted photographs of their creation on social media.
The hotel has declared that it has "taken sourcing ingredients locally" to a new extreme by "adding north-western Scotland's annual blight of midges to its menu".
The secret recipe is said to incorporate sweet potato, local nettles and traditional herbs such as parsley and rosemary.
While admitting the idea began as a joke Mr Keat announced: "Every summer we're absolutely over-run with the little beggars.
"We've installed several midge machines here on site and every few days we have to empty them, which got me thinking.
"All sorts of other insects and bugs are crawling onto menus all over the world, so there's no reason why the humble midge should be excluded. If you can't beat 'em, eat 'em."
Although the move is said to be being considered by Argyll Council's environmental health department, Mr Keat claims he has already served the burgers to guests.
"Initially some of our guests were a bit anxious about trying the delicacy, but soon enough they were raving, and now we simply can't supply demand which has outstripped the capacity of our commercial sized midge whackers.
"We've had to ask neighbours to put more machines on their properties as well, but we still can't keep up," he said on a Facebook update.
One Facebook user questioned the announcement saying: "Is this for real? Surely not. Don't these things go around sucking blood out of people and animals?"
The hotel responded saying: "It's just a bit of fun."
