Our second visit and it was as good as the first. We went on the Highland House Party group and had a great time. Good variety of things to do and the added bonus of something each evening too. Lord John and Lady Lucy are fantastic hosts and all the staff and rangers are extremely professional and helpful. The highlights of the week were the day spent in the Western Isle, especially Hillbillies bookshop and Inverewe Gardens and the day spent on the Black Isle – with the visit to Foulis Castle being the highlight of the day. Don’t forget to take some time out too to walk around the loch and the grounds of Aigas itself. As for the accommodation – we have stayed in the usual cabins but we also paid extra to stay in the Round House this visit and it was fabulous.

The perfect place to forget the challenges of life. Just turn off and enjoy the people, the place and the wildlife

We spent two lovely weeks in August at Aigas House and Field Center on a Road Scholar Tour, exploring the Scottish Highlands, a wonderfully rich experience that exceeded all our expectations. We hiked in gorgeous glens and moorlands, watched dolphins leaping alongside us in the Moray Firth, and spent quiet time in Aigas's nature "hides" at nightfall, watching for badgers, pine martens and beaver to appear. We visited castles and learned about their dramatic histories, and enjoyed hearing the Aigas Rangers recount local lore and anecdotes while teaching us about Highlands flora, fauna and geology, which they so obviously love. We were treated to a house tour and tea at historic Arniston House hosted by the lady of the house and her daughter. We visited with a local crofter who brought us into her home and told us about her family's 75 years on the land, highlighted by a visit to her beautiful flower and vegetable garden overlooking cattle grazing on rolling pastures. We learned about Aigas's inspiring efforts, led by Sir John Lister-Kaye and the Aigas Rangers, helping to restore native wildlife species and habitats in collaboration with the Scottish National Trust and non-profits such as Trees For Life, an organization that painstakingly nurtures native seedling trees for Highlands reforestation projects. Lady Lucy and her Aigas staff provided for our every need with warm personal attention, gracious hospitality and wonderful cuisine. Lady Lucy's guided tour of the Aigas house and gardens were a highlight of our stay. We were inspired, awed and enchanted, and fell in love with this place and the people we met. We hope to visit again soon.