My experience is limited to a few visits north of the border, but for what it's worth. I've found skin so soft to work, though have also heard that the formula has changed, but can't confirm this. When I say it works, it's stopped them biting, but won't stop them swarming around you, which is equally unbearable if you get completely mugged by them.
The traps referred to previously might be the 'Midge Eater', which I've heard does work, but you'd need to be in pretty close proximity, I've heard that a few campsites have them for example, but I've never actually seen one.
The best defence I've found by far is the Midge Jacket (link in one of my previous posts). With one of these you can laugh in the face of clouds of the beasties, but make sure you've got gloves too, or stick your hands in your pockets
