Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the Wildlife programme we'd booked on - the weather didn't look good and much of the wildlife we wanted to see was known to be elusive at the best of times. But thanks to the expertise, diligence and sheer overwhelming enthusiasm of the rangers - and I'd pick out Imogen and George as the ones who found us otters, sea eagles, golden eagles and a merlin - we saw everything we hoped for and more. The trips out to the west coast, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and up a number of the straths all bought new sightings but also new insights as the wildlife and flora were pointed out and explained. We rode next to leaping dolphins and diving sdeabirds in the Cromarty Firth. And there was no pretending to know things they didn't - if they didn't know they looked it up and told us later. From the hides at Aigas we saw pine marten, badger and beavers, as well as woodpeckers, owls, voles and many other species. But Aigas isn't just about the wildlife - it's about the hospitality in the comfortable lodges and then the house, with its stunning dining room and food that matches the surroundings. We didn't have a disappointing meal, Lucy provided great buffet lunches and superb dinners, from which I'd pick out the home-made soups as just outstanding, especially the spinach and lemon. To add to it all we have a great introductory talk by John Lister-Kaye, studded with jewels of poetry and prose to explain his love of nature and why he started Aigas. Even better was the finale on Friday night, when he read to the groups from his own and others' writings on the natural world - a great speaker and reader who imbues each word with meaning and feeling. If there is a criticism it is that there is a lot to do and perhaps too little time to explore the grounds at Aigas - but everything we did was worth doing. If you like your hide visits to be quiet and studious, as do I, perhaps you might want to check to see that you are there when there isn't a large American group around. They were lovely people but apt to talk constantly in the hides.. But this did not detract seriously from a fantastic week, though.
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Keith S

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Keith S

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the Wildlife programme we'd booked on - the weather didn't look good and much of the wildlife we wanted to see was known to be elusive at the best of times. But thanks to the expertise, diligence and sheer overwhelming enthusiasm of the rangers - and I'd pick out Imogen and George as the ones who found us otters, sea eagles, golden eagles and a merlin - we saw everything we hoped for and more. The trips out to the west coast, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and up a number of the straths all bought new sightings but also new insights as the wildlife and flora were pointed out and explained. We rode next to leaping dolphins and diving sdeabirds in the Cromarty Firth. And there was no pretending to know things they didn't - if they didn't know they looked it up and told us later. From the hides at Aigas we saw pine marten, badger and beavers, as well as woodpeckers, owls, voles and many other species. But Aigas isn't just about the wildlife - it's about the hospitality in the comfortable lodges and then the house, with its stunning dining room and food that matches the surroundings. We didn't have a disappointing meal, Lucy provided great buffet lunches and superb dinners, from which I'd pick out the home-made soups as just outstanding, especially the spinach and lemon. To add to it all we have a great introductory talk by John Lister-Kaye, studded with jewels of poetry and prose to explain his love of nature and why he started Aigas. Even better was the finale on Friday night, when he read to the groups from his own and others' writings on the natural world - a great speaker and reader who imbues each word with meaning and feeling. If there is a criticism it is that there is a lot to do and perhaps too little time to explore the grounds at Aigas - but everything we did was worth doing. If you like your hide visits to be quiet and studious, as do I, perhaps you might want to check to see that you are there when there isn't a large American group around. They were lovely people but apt to talk constantly in the hides.. But this did not detract seriously from a fantastic week, though.
Fantastic place to go it was like being in the middle of springwatch, the rangers were very knowledgeable and helpful, would definitely do it again
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Colin Dodds

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Colin Dodds

Fantastic place to go it was like being in the middle of springwatch, the rangers were very knowledgeable and helpful, would definitely do it again
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.
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C8241IGnancyc

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C8241IGnancyc

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.