Around 137 bikes, including six trikes, set off in glorious sunshine on this year’s
Midge Bikers Rally.
The ride-out from Stornoway to Uig on Saturday afternoon marked the largest turnout
in the event’s nine-year history with the rally established as bucket-list destination
for bikers across the country.
Louis Morrison, one of the organisers, described the event as “exceptional.”
“This is the best we've ever had. It's really good being blessed with good weather,
that always helps.
“We've had just over the 100, and close to the 100, but 137 is exceptional.”
Riders arrived from across the country and further afield.
“We've got one from Barcelona, one from Madrid, and two from Germany. There’s seven
from Southern Ireland and others from England, Wales, Scotland, and, of course, the
locals.”
Many of the visiting bikers are staying in hotels and B&Bs and campsites mainly around
Stornoway while some prefer to find accommodation in rural areas of the island.
As well as a popular social gathering for the motorcycling fraternity, the event
is an important fundraiser for a different chosen local charity every year.
“Bikers are very sociable people, and they like a good time, but they're very generous
as well, said Mr Morrison.
“You couldn't find better people. They are honest, hard working, generous people.
“One of the reasons when we started this in 2016 was not just to have a good time,
but to raise a few pounds for local charity, and we emphasise it has to be local.
Expansion of The Shed project at Martins Memorial Church will benefit from this summer’s
fundraising.
Their new family support centre development, the Barn Project “needs a lot of funding,
and if we can help in any way, we will.
“We hope to raise a couple of thousand pounds for them.”
“A couple of years ago, we lost a few members to cardiac arrest, so we had the British
Heart Foundation as our charity, but we made sure it was the Lewis and Harris branch,
so the money stays on the island and doesn't go off the island.”
The Western lsles Association for Mental Health (WIAMH) received the proceeds in
2024 which helped the organisation run the Catch 23 support service for islanders
who are struggling with their mental health.
In addition to the rally entry fee, two nights of entertainment at the Midgebiters
base at Stornoway Golf Club plus sales of T-shirts, hoodies, raffle tickets and
food as well as donations contributes to the total.
Mr Morrison said he was impressed with their police escort on the day and also expressed
gratitude to support from local businesses.
He praised golf club staff: “They cook, they look after us, they organise the bar,
and we organise the music. It works well and there’s never any trouble.”
‘Exceptional’ Midge Biters rally raises cash for local charity
15 June 2025
