IT'S A midge too far for most Scots. But today dozens of hardy souls are preparing to strip off and bare their bonnie, bonnie flanks on Loch Lomond.
Scotland's oldest naturist club is holding an open day in a bid to recruit new members and secure the future of the organisation.
The Scottish Outdoor Club has operated on tiny Inchmurrin Island on Loch Lomond since the 1940s.
But numbers have
slumped since its 1970s heyday and now a drive is being launched to find younger recruits.
The loch's nudist resort is usually off-limits to non-members, but visitors have today been invited to experience their way of life – with the strict proviso that they, too, shed their clothes.
The club's official website states the open day will allow newcomers to: "Experience the tranquillity and security of practising naturism on a site reserved solely for that purpose, without the hassle of non-naturist onlookers.
"Despite the Loch Lomond area being a major tourist attraction as a renowned place of scenic beauty, the club's site offers peaceful seclusion.
"Please bring a towel to sit on and a packed lunch as there are no shops on the island."
Visitors can use the club facilities which include a sauna, a barbecue area, indoor and outdoor games courts and overnight accommodation in the clubhouse.
A spokeswoman for the club expected the open day to attract a "boatload" of potential new recruits. "We are on the look-out for new members to keep the place going," she said.
"The average age is around 55 and our oldest member is 80. We do have a range of ages, but it would be better to get some younger members on board."
The club was formed in 1938 and the high point was in the 1960s and 1970s, but membership has fallen away a little since then, a phenomenon blamed on cheap foreign travel.
The spokeswoman said the appeal of a back-to-nature lifestyle was also hampered by the continued existence of misinformed stereotypes.
She said: "Sadly in this country, there is often a sniggering attitude towards naturism. We are not swingers, and naturism is nothing to do with sex.
"It is a way of life that is all about relaxing and enjoying nature and good company."
Despite the inclement climate, increasing numbers of people in the UK are choosing to abandon their swimsuits for their birthday suits.
A spokesman for British Naturists, which has around 20,000 members, said: "We believe there are half a million regular naturists in the UK."
Celebrities who have voiced their support for naturism in the past include actress Helen Mirren and Robbie Williams.
Michael Farrer, archivist for British Naturists, said: "In the past, naturist clubs did tend to be more secretive, but most are now tending towards openness.
"Naturists really want to be accepted by society and not ridiculed."
The full article contains 484 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
