‘Scotland’s Best Nature Based Experience’
Year of Natural Scotland Thistle Awards
Year of Natural Scotland Thistle Awards
The Aigas season begins in April and will finish in October. We are running more programmes than ever to cater for a wide variety of interests. If you are interested in a specific theme, please scroll through the themes below to find your preferred area of interest and the courses we do that relate to it.
Click on the programme name below to see full details and book.
Scotland’s national tipple, known in Gaelic as uisge beatha, the ‘water of life’, is deeply entwined in our country’s heritage and culture. Enjoy a week of wildlife, birdlife and local history, all whilst discovering the history of whisky with visits to local distilleries and tastings.
By popular request we now offer more walking programmes than ever before, allowing guests the opportunity to explore the Highlands on foot. Led by an Aigas ranger, our low level walks will take you to some of the most beautiful spots in the Scottish Highlands. All programmes will also offer an optional hill walk.
Aigas Field Centre is ideally located for exploring the Highlands of Scotland and the plethora of wildlife that lives here, both on the Aigas estate and in the surrounding landscape. Accompanied by an Aigas ranger, guests will spend their days in search of dolphins, eagles (both golden and white tailed), red and black throated divers, a plethora of waders and seabirds, red and roe deer and many more coveted native and migratory species. The Aigas hides are frequently visited by pine martens and badgers and the loch is home to a family of beavers with visiting otters and ospreys. Guests will also have to opportunity to see one of Aigas’ Scottish wildcats.
The Scottish Highlands has so much to offer by way of history, culture, wildlife and spectacular landscapes. Aigas is the perfect base from which to explore and learn about our ancient Pictish and Celtic roots, unique clan history, the Jacobite Revolution, sporting and crofting traditions, whilst staying in the grounds of the House of Aigas.
Often our guests have said that we ought to do more “chilled out weeks”, so if you would rather enjoy a bit of R&R and spend a gentle week exploring the 600 acre Aigas estate on foot, using the wildlife hides, wandering through the gardens and taking it easy, then we have some great relaxation programmes for you.
Laurie Campbell is widely recognised as Scotland’s foremost nature photographer. In 2015 he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the RSPB. He has been running wildlife photography courses at Aigas for many years and they have gained a superb reputation. Laurie’s courses are always the first to fill, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Courses will also include a one-to-one review and photo editing session with Laurie, during which he will provide constructive feedback on guests’ images.
Aigas is delighted to be working in association with our friends at Speyside Wildlife for our island programmes to Orkney, Shetland, Islay and the Western Isles. We have every confidence that Aigas’ high standards will be perpetuated and upheld by the Speyside Wildlife team. For further information, or to book, please contact Speyside Wildlife.
By the middle of June the Highlands of Scotland have come alive with vibrantly coloured wildflowers and local gardens such as Inverewe and Attadale are in full bloom. Aigas has a selection of specially designed programmes, created for garden and wildflower lovers.
Led by renowned mycologist, Liz Holden, this programme explores in-depth the extraordinary diversity of fungi found in the Highlands. Forays into the woods and tutorial identification sessions make this autumn programme a much sought after speciality in our calendar. Limited to 11 places, book early to ensure a place.
Each year Aigas invites a selection of special group leaders – experts in their field – to lead programmes specialising in a range of subjects, including birds, wildflowers, fungi, art, wildlife, geology, whisky and more.
Join us in spring, summer or autumn for a finely tuned feathery feast, perfect for the expert and beginner alike. Aigas bird watching programmes are for all levels of bird watchers. Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic Aigas rangers will take you off the beaten track in search of up to 120 species of birds, including golden and white tailed eagles, peregrine falcons, black and red throated diver, crossbills, crested tits and ospreys among many other specialised species.
There is no better location to sketch and study wildlife subjects than Aigas. Led by celebrated artist Jackie Garner, our art programmes combine wonderful landscapes, amazing wildlife and an airy art studio with the tranquil peace and quiet.
Intergenerational holidays at Aigas are the perfect opportunity for families to learn and connect with the natural environment, whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Highlights of our children’s holidays include a boat trip to spot dolphins and whales, bush craft session in the Aigas woodland and a ceilidh party with music from a local band. Suitable for children aged between 5 – 14 years of age with their parents or grandparents.
