Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

This was my second visit and I certainly hope to come again. Accommodation and catering are excellent and the centre is in a splendid setting within its own grounds, which encompass woodland, moorland and a small loch, the home of beavers. The daily field trips were well planned to cover a variety of Highland habitats and to encounter many species - golden eagles, red deer, otters, dolphins and pine martens perhaps the most memorable among the great many seen. The rangers who lead the trips are first-rate in their knowledge and enthusiasm and their consideration for the groups in their care. Both my stays were for one week: the first (in 2010), "Walking and Wildlife", requiring more physical stamina than the second, "Aigas Wildlife", whicxh involved walking but of a gentler nature. For both, good waterproofs and footwear were essential, binoculars too, although these can be hired. Apart from wildlife weeks, there are others focussed on different topics. For example, there was a "Creative writing" group during my second visit, and the interaction between the groups over meals is stimulating.
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JohnPPhilpott

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JohnPPhilpott

This was my second visit and I certainly hope to come again. Accommodation and catering are excellent and the centre is in a splendid setting within its own grounds, which encompass woodland, moorland and a small loch, the home of beavers. The daily field trips were well planned to cover a variety of Highland habitats and to encounter many species - golden eagles, red deer, otters, dolphins and pine martens perhaps the most memorable among the great many seen. The rangers who lead the trips are first-rate in their knowledge and enthusiasm and their consideration for the groups in their care. Both my stays were for one week: the first (in 2010), "Walking and Wildlife", requiring more physical stamina than the second, "Aigas Wildlife", whicxh involved walking but of a gentler nature. For both, good waterproofs and footwear were essential, binoculars too, although these can be hired. Apart from wildlife weeks, there are others focussed on different topics. For example, there was a "Creative writing" group during my second visit, and the interaction between the groups over meals is stimulating.
With high expectations from all the great TA reviews, I went to Aigas as part of a Road Scholar group - and Aigas met and exceeded all those expectations. My previous 2 weeks in Scotland had been as part of a photo tour that was long on photo ops, but extremely light on information about history, geology, lore, ecology, etc etc. The wonderfully trained, articulate and enthusiastic rangers at Aigas filled in all the gaps and then some. Sir John's lecture about the history of the Highlands brought the Jacobite Rebellion and so much more into sharp focus, with application to US history and today's world situations. I could have listened for another hour. Lady Lucy's concern for the needs of her guests and the dietary peculiarities of each one make the meals a delight, and she, Hermione and the rest of the staff make it clear they will do their best to make everyone's stay as wonderful as they can. And everything is done with such ease and grace. Thanks to all for a wonderful stay. I am sending my friends (and maybe will sneak back with one of them)!
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oscar505

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oscar505

With high expectations from all the great TA reviews, I went to Aigas as part of a Road Scholar group - and Aigas met and exceeded all those expectations. My previous 2 weeks in Scotland had been as part of a photo tour that was long on photo ops, but extremely light on information about history, geology, lore, ecology, etc etc. The wonderfully trained, articulate and enthusiastic rangers at Aigas filled in all the gaps and then some. Sir John's lecture about the history of the Highlands brought the Jacobite Rebellion and so much more into sharp focus, with application to US history and today's world situations. I could have listened for another hour. Lady Lucy's concern for the needs of her guests and the dietary peculiarities of each one make the meals a delight, and she, Hermione and the rest of the staff make it clear they will do their best to make everyone's stay as wonderful as they can. And everything is done with such ease and grace. Thanks to all for a wonderful stay. I am sending my friends (and maybe will sneak back with one of them)!
A week at Aigas is a magical time for those interested in wildlife, especially if you're a keen photographer. Where else can you see and photograph pine martens, red deer, dolphins, seals, migrating geese and salmon, fungi and wildcat in the space of a week? A big thank you to workshop leader Laurie Campbell whose knowledge, patience and skill knows no bounds. Nothing was too much trouble for him to ensure that everybody got the maximum out of our week in the highlands. He was ably supported by the brilliant team of enthusiastic rangers at Aigas HQ, along with hosts Sir John, Lady Lucy and Warwick. I have already booked my return visit in 2014.
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Nick d

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Nick d

A week at Aigas is a magical time for those interested in wildlife, especially if you're a keen photographer. Where else can you see and photograph pine martens, red deer, dolphins, seals, migrating geese and salmon, fungi and wildcat in the space of a week? A big thank you to workshop leader Laurie Campbell whose knowledge, patience and skill knows no bounds. Nothing was too much trouble for him to ensure that everybody got the maximum out of our week in the highlands. He was ably supported by the brilliant team of enthusiastic rangers at Aigas HQ, along with hosts Sir John, Lady Lucy and Warwick. I have already booked my return visit in 2014.