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The scientific name for the Highland Midge is Culicoides Impunctatus
There are 37 different species of midges, only 5 species bite humans
Midges have a wingspan of 1.4mm
Midges like all other biting flies (mosquitos etc.) are attracted by (human) smell
The biting season starts when the female midges are pregnant from mid May to early June and finishes at end August to mid September
They thrive in woodlands and wetlands
They don't like direct sunlight and winds over 5mph
They love light rain
The skin reaction of midges can differ from little red dots which disapear after 2 days to very itchy red lumps which can get slight infections. This depends on skin type.

Tips to minimise the "midge effect":

Midges feeding time is early in the morning between 5am and 9am and fall to lower levels at 9am. They start off going food mad at 6pm till 11pm. Knowing that you can avoid the worst time. If you still get it bad in beween these times it just means it would be worse at high peak.
Cover as much skin as you can. Cover your ancles by tucking the trousers into your socks, wear gloves and a midge hood.
We already know they don't like wind. The wind created from your walking speed is usually enough to keep them off you. Just don't stop.
You usually wouldn't need to bother with any midge protection when the sun is out since they don't like direct sunlight.
Keep your breaks short
They disapear when out in the sea. Just a few metres offshore will do (good news for sea kayakers).

Myths:

Midge repellant works -> Sorry, but I don't know any midge repellant that really works. If you try some go for the natural stuff. Some of the ones with toxins melt plastic so what do they do to you.
They are bad everywhere in the Highlands -> There are certain areas in the Highlands especially along the west coast where they are particularly bad. They are less so in the Grampian area and Speyside.