Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

I took the Home & Gardens tour during the week of my birthday in August, 2023. This is a FANTASTIC tour and I met so many wonderful people (5 others who came separately from England & Scotland) and 16 others on a Road Scholar trip from all over the U.S.). We got to see many beautiful homes (and castles!) and gardens in Scotland. Sometimes we'd go in a van for the day and the last day we even went by a beautiful, comfortable train to upper Scotland. It is kind of like being a kid in a camp except your own room and bath, great food for all meals (or picnic lunches to take!). I found out last year I am more Scottish than anything else, and I felt so very comfortable in Scotland and all the people I met. So many memories I made and I definitely want to return to Aigas! Sir John and Lady Lucy Lister-Kaye are amazing, professional, welcoming hosts. The rangers (taught there) are also nice and informative! I highly recommend it and NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!
read moreread less

jansjourneys

×

jansjourneys

I took the Home & Gardens tour during the week of my birthday in August, 2023. This is a FANTASTIC tour and I met so many wonderful people (5 others who came separately from England & Scotland) and 16 others on a Road Scholar trip from all over the U.S.). We got to see many beautiful homes (and castles!) and gardens in Scotland. Sometimes we'd go in a van for the day and the last day we even went by a beautiful, comfortable train to upper Scotland. It is kind of like being a kid in a camp except your own room and bath, great food for all meals (or picnic lunches to take!). I found out last year I am more Scottish than anything else, and I felt so very comfortable in Scotland and all the people I met. So many memories I made and I definitely want to return to Aigas! Sir John and Lady Lucy Lister-Kaye are amazing, professional, welcoming hosts. The rangers (taught there) are also nice and informative! I highly recommend it and NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!
We were impressed by the tranquil beauty of the Aigas property, a carefully restored Victorian estate and gardens. On our arrival, we received a warm greeting by the owners, Sir John and Lady Lucinda Lister-Kaye and their professional team of highly trained, good-humoured rangers. The delicious, plentiful meals and afternoon tea in the Great Hall of their mansion were wonderful; however, what we most appreciated was their commitment to enhance our knowledge of conservation, environmental issues, and the native wildlife and flora. The day trips afforded us a marvellous opportunity to learn about the geology and history of the Highlands. These were enhanced by evening lectures by Sir John and his team; visits to the blinds to see the badgers, re-introduced European beavers, and rare Scottish wildcats. We also enjoyed Sir John's historical house tour, the traditional music, and a magical evening of story telling. Perhaps our best day was spent with Sir John's son, Warwick, who normally devotes his time to managing Aigas. His knowledge of the local wildflowers, birds, and mammals in the nearby lochs and hills was astonishing: we watched golden eagles circling above the mountain summits; we saw the silhouettes of, native red deer stags on the hilltops, and watched peregrine falcon juveniles try their wings by targeting a fleeing kestral. We particularly appreciated the Aigas team's passion and commitment to environmental education, as well as their sensitivity and concern for people and this vulnerable planet. I admire their ethics, generosity and kindness toward their guests. We intend to return to this top calibre facility, which exceeded all of our expectations.
read moreread less

Laura288

×

Laura288

We were impressed by the tranquil beauty of the Aigas property, a carefully restored Victorian estate and gardens. On our arrival, we received a warm greeting by the owners, Sir John and Lady Lucinda Lister-Kaye and their professional team of highly trained, good-humoured rangers. The delicious, plentiful meals and afternoon tea in the Great Hall of their mansion were wonderful; however, what we most appreciated was their commitment to enhance our knowledge of conservation, environmental issues, and the native wildlife and flora. The day trips afforded us a marvellous opportunity to learn about the geology and history of the Highlands. These were enhanced by evening lectures by Sir John and his team; visits to the blinds to see the badgers, re-introduced European beavers, and rare Scottish wildcats. We also enjoyed Sir John's historical house tour, the traditional music, and a magical evening of story telling. Perhaps our best day was spent with Sir John's son, Warwick, who normally devotes his time to managing Aigas. His knowledge of the local wildflowers, birds, and mammals in the nearby lochs and hills was astonishing: we watched golden eagles circling above the mountain summits; we saw the silhouettes of, native red deer stags on the hilltops, and watched peregrine falcon juveniles try their wings by targeting a fleeing kestral. We particularly appreciated the Aigas team's passion and commitment to environmental education, as well as their sensitivity and concern for people and this vulnerable planet. I admire their ethics, generosity and kindness toward their guests. We intend to return to this top calibre facility, which exceeded all of our expectations.
Staying a week at Aigas - with its grounds, rangers, and Sir John and Lady Lucy - is among the most exceptional of my many travel experiences. Think wildlife refuge and rewilding programs rolled into a refurbished Victorian estate led by Sir John Lister-Kaye, well known in the naturalist and conservation circles for his pioneering work. I stayed as part of an educational tour group, and enjoyed each day fully. Through field trips, hikes, and events, I learned a great deal about Scotland's rich history and current efforts to restore biodiversity to the country. The rangers who led our trips were knowledgeable, energetic, and enthusiastic. The modest accommodations adjacent to the estate house were clean and comfortable, with big windows for spotting red squirrels and bird life. The food was creative and fabulous, served in a spectacular dining hall. The garden and grounds were breathtaking. Sir John and Lady Lucy and Hermione were gracious hosts, eager that their guests enjoyed their stay. Make sure to look closely at the center's website, because Aigas is not open to the public. Only to guests who have signed up for its various programs. I'm eyeing the list now for another adventure. Highly recommended.
read moreread less

Karen Watson

×

Karen Watson

Staying a week at Aigas - with its grounds, rangers, and Sir John and Lady Lucy - is among the most exceptional of my many travel experiences. Think wildlife refuge and rewilding programs rolled into a refurbished Victorian estate led by Sir John Lister-Kaye, well known in the naturalist and conservation circles for his pioneering work. I stayed as part of an educational tour group, and enjoyed each day fully. Through field trips, hikes, and events, I learned a great deal about Scotland's rich history and current efforts to restore biodiversity to the country. The rangers who led our trips were knowledgeable, energetic, and enthusiastic. The modest accommodations adjacent to the estate house were clean and comfortable, with big windows for spotting red squirrels and bird life. The food was creative and fabulous, served in a spectacular dining hall. The garden and grounds were breathtaking. Sir John and Lady Lucy and Hermione were gracious hosts, eager that their guests enjoyed their stay. Make sure to look closely at the center's website, because Aigas is not open to the public. Only to guests who have signed up for its various programs. I'm eyeing the list now for another adventure. Highly recommended.