This was a our 4th visit, the previous one being in Oct 2011. See previous report. We managed to book a place on the Nick Baker's 'Highland Wildlife Hightlights' week and had a great time. Not only a BBC presenter for many years, but also a Wildlife lecturer as well as writing Wildlife books, Nick is incredibly knowledgable and enthusiastic about all aspects of Wildlife and made an excellent guide. He is very friendly and has a great personality. He accompanied us along with a Ranger on our daily excursions. Even when we asked him very basic questions about wildlife, he never made us feel silly and was very good at explaining facts. We did all sorts that week, from a fantastic EcoVenture Boat trip with Dolphins keeping us company, to pond dipping back at Aigas, followed by an identification talk from Nick as he examined our specimens under a microscope, which projected the image onto a large screen. It was fascinating. One evening after dinner, he gave us a really entertaining talk in the lecture theatre about some of the strange critters he had made programmes about over the years. I've never laughed so much. Like previous holidays at Aigas, we had the option of the Loch side hide visits before breakfast. It was well worth getting up at the crack of dawn. Not only did we see the Aigas Beavers returning to their lodge, but an Osprey arrived and sat in a tree opposite for at least 20 minutes. Thinking it couldn't get any better, we started getting ready to leave the hide, when we spotted a Pine Martin on the far side of the Loch. He walked along the footpath giving us all a great views. We had seen the Pinemartins from the quarry hide at night, under a dim spot light, but to see one in broad daylight made us appreciate just how beautiful they are. We were elated as we returned for breakfast. There was two other groups at Aigas that week. A party of friendly Americans doing their course and our old friend Dr. David Dixon taking his group for 'Wildlife in a Highland Landscape'. We have done several of David's courses in the past, including the above one and the Autumn 'Monarchs of the Glen' and both were very enjoyable and informative. We had the pleasure of hearing one of his informative Geology of Scotland in relation to Wildlife, talks this holiday. A marine biologist by profession, David has many strings to his bow, from being an advisor to the BBC on technical issues for their Wildlife programmes, to doing research and writing scientific papers. He is a font of knowledge on all aspects of Wildlife and geology, as well as being a super bloke. Aigas does a wide range of special interest weeks and have excellent leaders running them. We will certainly have a return visit. It's just a matter of deciding which to do next. The icing on the cake this time was staying in the Round House. A wish come true! Thank you.

This was my second visit and I certainly hope to come again. Accommodation and catering are excellent and the centre is in a splendid setting within its own grounds, which encompass woodland, moorland and a small loch, the home of beavers. The daily field trips were well planned to cover a variety of Highland habitats and to encounter many species - golden eagles, red deer, otters, dolphins and pine martens perhaps the most memorable among the great many seen. The rangers who lead the trips are first-rate in their knowledge and enthusiasm and their consideration for the groups in their care. Both my stays were for one week: the first (in 2010), "Walking and Wildlife", requiring more physical stamina than the second, "Aigas Wildlife", whicxh involved walking but of a gentler nature. For both, good waterproofs and footwear were essential, binoculars too, although these can be hired. Apart from wildlife weeks, there are others focussed on different topics. For example, there was a "Creative writing" group during my second visit, and the interaction between the groups over meals is stimulating.

I just wrote a wonderful review on the Aigas Facebook site but lost the connection so here I am. I just visited Aigas Field Center last week. The experience was magical! From the welcoming staff to the wonderful beautiful home and grounds. I came with Road Scholar and loved every minute of the trip to the Scottish Highlands. Sir John and Lady Lucy made us feel welcome and were superb hosts. The grounds were beautiful and so was the home. The garden was breathtaking and the accommodations were cozy and very well kept. The experiences on our road trips to see the sights were enhanced by professional, knowledgeable and personable rangers as well as Academic Placement Students from University.We interacted with the stunning lands of the Highlands on comfortable mini buses. Individual needs were always taken into consideration. On the Aigas grounds we had opportunities to see animals in their natural habitat. We learned about the endangered Wildcats and witnessed Badgers and Pinemartens at night in hides( small sheds with windows) I was utterly impressed with Sir John Lister Kaye for creating this environment and found him brilliant and quite funny. The meals were delicious and honored our dietary needs. Compliments to Lady Lucy and her wonderful kitchen staff. If you have the opportunity to travel with Road Scholar or on your own, consider a trip to Aigas Field Center.A perfect educational experience for children and adults. I miss being there and will cherish the time I spent there.Thankfully I have many pictures of this unique experience.