We have just returned from a fabulous week at Aigas, a unique base from which to see the wildlife of the Highlands. The Field Centre is the stately home of Sir John and Lady Lucy Lister-Kaye, who are so welcoming and are the perfect hosts. They made us feel more like family guests than customers, which was immediately proved by the number of guests on our programme that have stayed there many times before. In fact, we seemed to be virtually the only first-timers, although it definitely won't be our last! The accommodation and meals are excellent, all under the personal supervision of Lady Lucy; and the wildlife programmes were extremely well organised. The programs themselves are led by both permanent and seasonal rangers, who all have a superb knowledge of the wildlife, history and geology of Scotland. Even the newer staff had all been trained extremely well, to have managed to learn so much knowledge to impart to us. It was also obvious that they all have genuine enthusiasm and take real personal pride in the work that they do for the centre. Aigas is set in a beautiful country setting, which contains its own loch and wildlife hides, containing a wide variety of Highland wildlife. It must be one of the few places where you could be lucky enough to see amongst other things, pine martens, otters and beavers. As well as learning so much, it was an extremely relaxing way to leave the rat-race for a week and do something much more full-filling instead. This is a very special place and a testament to the Lister-Kaye's for creating such a wonderful environment and also to all of the staff who do such a first-class job. We will definitely return again in the future to experience some of their other wildlife programmes.

From start to finish, the week's course was excellent: the wonderfully warm Aigas welcome from Sir John and Lady Lucy and their team, the delicious food, comfortable accommodation and, of course, the prime reason for booking this particular course - Laurie Campbell's excellent tuition. I learnt a lot in a variety of wildlife locations and in a very relaxing environment. It was my third visit to Aigas and I hope there will be other opportunities to return - one day the Aigas badgers will put in an appearance for me!

Such a treat!