A world champion angler from Inverness believes a remarkable material more commonly associated with aerospace and advanced engineering could help protect people spending time in the Scottish countryside from ticks.

Mackenzie Fly Fishing has developed a range of graphene infused outdoor clothing which, through its specialist fabric construction, is designed to help reduce tick exposure without relying on chemical treatments.

The innovation comes as health authorities continue urging people to be vigilant during peak tick season, with Lyme disease remaining a concern for walkers, anglers, gamekeepers and anyone spending time in long grass, woodland, moorland and along riverbanks.

Scott Mackenzie, a five time World Casting Champion, first began working with graphene almost a decade ago while developing high performance fly rods that would go on to earn international recognition.

The company worked with Professor Gary Savage, a composites specialist with experience in Formula 1, aerospace and military engineering, to explore how graphene could improve the strength, weight and performance of fishing equipment before turning its attention to outdoor clothing.

Scott Mackenzie said:

“We started our design journey at the Institute for Graphene around ten years ago when we were introduced by Professor Savage to the two Nobel Prize-winning scientists who discovered graphene to explore how the material could improve performance, strength and weight in fishing rods.

“From there, we began experimenting, in conjunction with some of the best fabric developers in the world, to create fabric construction techniques using graphene and other advanced materials.

“The challenge wasn’t simply adding graphene into a product.

“To be effective, it has to work alongside the right materials and be incorporated through specialist construction techniques.

“We always knew there was potential for insect repellency through the anti-microbial properties built into the fabric.

“This proved useful for fishing in warm climates where mosquitoes are a big challenge, but we hadn’t realised quite how effective it could be against ticks.

“We discovered that almost by accident.

“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.”

That unexpected discovery prompted further testing by the company.

Ryan Rutherford said:

“It was incredible.

“I really was shocked by the amount of ticks on my clothing and the difference between my experience and Scott’s.

“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 is hugely significant.

“There is no need for any chemical spray treatments on the clothing to achieve this.

“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.”

The company says the Mackenzie FX1 clothing range combines graphene infused fabrics with specialist construction techniques to improve temperature regulation, move moisture away from the body and increase durability, while its outer jacket also incorporates recycled ocean plastics within a highly waterproof and breathable design.

Mackenzie Fly Fishing, founded almost 20 years ago by Scott Mackenzie and Angus Morrison, is now expanding the technology into other sports and personal protective equipment.

The clothing range was designed alongside Mackenzie guides from around the world by the team at Atacama Design.

Jamie Morrison from Atacama Design said:

“It was a really enjoyable project developing and designing the Mackenzie performance range.

“Our core principle is creating extraordinary clothing for people doing extraordinary things, and Mackenzie totally encapsulates that mission.”

Scott Mackenzie said:

“Every time I’m on the river, I’m thinking about how we can improve things.

“That has always been the Mackenzie approach.

“We are trying to solve the problems people actually face outside.

“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.

“After a really difficult year for fishing due to low rainfall and water levels, there’s a real sense of optimism about this season.

“If we can make time outdoors more comfortable, safer and more enjoyable, that’s a win for everyone who spends time in the countryside.”