Jackie Garner

Highland Wildlife Art Group Leader

Jackie Garner is a professional artist who has always been fascinated by the natural world. Born and brought up in Gloucestershire, her early paintings celebrated the flora and fauna of beech woodland, limestone grassland and Severn estuary, all features of her home county. Jackie has exhibited extensively and was commissioned to design the 2015 Wildlife Habitat Trust Conservation Stamp. She is the author and main illustrator of The Wildlife Artist’s Handbook.

We had a wonderful time at Aigas. I think I know a reasonable amount about wildlife in Scotland, but we saw things on this holiday that I have never seen before and am sure I would never have discovered myself (sea eagles, golden eagles, close up views of otters etc.). The dolphin watching trip was also by far the best one I have ever been on - and I have been on quite a few in various parts of the world. The rangers really know their stuff and are nice with it. The accommodation is good but not particularly luxurious. I was a bit nervous that we would be sharing our cabin with a stranger - but as there were three of us we had a two bed cabin to ourselves. Really we did not spend that much time there except for sleeping, as we were out and about all day and the meals were all served in the baronial hall of the main house. This was also fun - I wasn't sure how much I would like the social aspect of dining with other people - but in fact it was fun - we exchanged experiences with people from all walks of life and made some friends. The food was also very good. In short we had a great week. Nothing was too much for the staff (down to making a special vegan cake for afternoon tea for our vegan). I plan to go back next year and take my mum. One point to note about the wildlife week is that it doesn't require a huge amount of walking - so it would be fine for older people who love wildlife but aren't up for 5 mile hikes up mountains.
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Marion McCune

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Marion McCune

We had a wonderful time at Aigas. I think I know a reasonable amount about wildlife in Scotland, but we saw things on this holiday that I have never seen before and am sure I would never have discovered myself (sea eagles, golden eagles, close up views of otters etc.). The dolphin watching trip was also by far the best one I have ever been on - and I have been on quite a few in various parts of the world. The rangers really know their stuff and are nice with it. The accommodation is good but not particularly luxurious. I was a bit nervous that we would be sharing our cabin with a stranger - but as there were three of us we had a two bed cabin to ourselves. Really we did not spend that much time there except for sleeping, as we were out and about all day and the meals were all served in the baronial hall of the main house. This was also fun - I wasn't sure how much I would like the social aspect of dining with other people - but in fact it was fun - we exchanged experiences with people from all walks of life and made some friends. The food was also very good. In short we had a great week. Nothing was too much for the staff (down to making a special vegan cake for afternoon tea for our vegan). I plan to go back next year and take my mum. One point to note about the wildlife week is that it doesn't require a huge amount of walking - so it would be fine for older people who love wildlife but aren't up for 5 mile hikes up mountains.
We visited Aigas at the beginning of May, and enjoyed an unforgettable week. Everything about our visit was superb, the accomodation (not that we spent much time in it), the cuisine, every meal was a treat, the rangers whose knowledge of not just wild life, but local history, geology, and even an insight into local folk lore. The days we spent out in the company of the rangers were excellent, with many excellent sightings oif wildlife, the most enjoyable being the black grouse lek. Last but not least, our superb hosts, Sir John, Lady Lucy, Hermione & Greg, from the first moment we were made to feel so welcome. Many thanks, Kathy & Rae
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Lakesidersx2

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Lakesidersx2

We visited Aigas at the beginning of May, and enjoyed an unforgettable week. Everything about our visit was superb, the accomodation (not that we spent much time in it), the cuisine, every meal was a treat, the rangers whose knowledge of not just wild life, but local history, geology, and even an insight into local folk lore. The days we spent out in the company of the rangers were excellent, with many excellent sightings oif wildlife, the most enjoyable being the black grouse lek. Last but not least, our superb hosts, Sir John, Lady Lucy, Hermione & Greg, from the first moment we were made to feel so welcome. Many thanks, Kathy & Rae
I will be brief. In common with most of the other reviewers here, the time we spent at Aigas was very special. We stayed for an 'Aigas Wildlife Week', during which time we were enthralled, educated and treated to the most wonderful hospitality. Simply put, it was a stunning experience. The programmes seem to be well subscribed, so if you are considering a visit in 2017, don't dally too long.
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Mikey1304

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Mikey1304

I will be brief. In common with most of the other reviewers here, the time we spent at Aigas was very special. We stayed for an 'Aigas Wildlife Week', during which time we were enthralled, educated and treated to the most wonderful hospitality. Simply put, it was a stunning experience. The programmes seem to be well subscribed, so if you are considering a visit in 2017, don't dally too long.

Walking and Wildlife

Aigas Mini-Break

Walking and Wildlife

Highland Landscapes with Jonathan Willet

Wildflowers and Gardens

Walking and Wildlife

Aigas Mini-Break

Walking and Wildlife

Highland Landscapes with Jonathan Willet

Wildflowers and Gardens

Jackie Garner

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