Highland fisherman creates tick-defying clothing using 'wonder material'

Scott Mackenzie, a five-time World Casting Champion from Inverness, first began experimenting with graphene almost a decade ago while developing high-performance fly-fishing rods. Now his company, Mackenzie Fly Fishing, said it has applied the technology to a range of clothing after discovering that the specially engineered fabric appeared to deter ticks.

The discovery was made unexpectedly during a stalking trip in the Highlands.

"We hadn't realised quite how effective it could be against ticks," Mr Mackenzie said.

"I was out stalking with a friend, Ryan, who came back covered in ticks, while I was wearing our graphene-infused Mackenzie clothing and had absolutely none on me."

The experience prompted further testing, which the company said has demonstrated the fabric's anti-tick properties without the need for chemical treatments.

Ryan Rutherford, who has contracted Lyme disease twice while working outdoors, said the difference was striking.

"I was shocked by the number of ticks on my clothing compared with Scott's," he said.

"That sparked a proper testing process, and we've now proven beyond any reasonable doubt that the fabric, with its unique graphene construction, has anti-tick properties.

"As someone who has worked outdoors all my life and has unfortunately had Lyme disease on two occasions, that's hugely significant.

"It's bizarre to think a material once associated with aerospace, advanced engineering and semiconductor technology is now helping Highlanders fight off ticks. It’s truly a wonder material.”

Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms first isolated by Nobel Prize-winning scientists in 2004, is renowned for its exceptional strength, light weight and conductivity. Mr Mackenzie first encountered the material through Professor Gary Savage, a composites specialist whose work spans Formula One, aerospace and military engineering.

The fisherman said the graphene-infused fabric also helps regulate body temperature, improve durability and keeps moisture away from the skin. Its flagship waterproof jacket combines a graphene membrane with recycled ocean plastics.

Ticks are becoming an increasing concern for people who spend time in the countryside in Scotland. Last week, the UK Health Security Agency renewed its annual advice urging people to take precautions against tick bites during the peak season, while the Scottish Government has also encouraged people to be "tick aware" when outdoors.

Although most tick bites are harmless, some of the blood-sucking parasites carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, an infection which, if left untreated, can lead to serious neurological, cardiac and joint complications.

Founded almost 20 years ago by Mr Mackenzie and businessman Angus Morrison, Mackenzie Fly Fishing has built an international reputation for its fly rods, lines and casting equipment.

The new clothing range was designed in collaboration with Atacama Design, whose clients include the Maclean Brothers, who completed a world-record row across the Pacific Ocean earlier this year.

Jamie Morrison, of Atacama Design, said: "Our core principle is creating extraordinary clothing for people doing extraordinary things, and Mackenzie totally encapsulates that mission."

Mr Mackenzie said the company intended to expand the technology into other outdoor sports and personal protective equipment.

"Every time I'm on the river, I'm thinking about how we can improve things," he said.

"Fishing can be cold, wet and physically demanding. You can be standing in a river for hours, walking through long grass, dealing with changing weather and trying to stay comfortable enough to concentrate.

"If clothing can help regulate temperature, keep moisture away from your body and potentially reduce the risk of ticks, that is a major step forward."