Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

I visited Aigas on a Road Scholar program, called Walking in the Scottish Highlands. During our week of field trips guided by knowledgeable and friendly rangers, I gained insight into the cultural and natural history of the Highlands. We studied the floral, fauna, geology and history while hiking on the property as well as on field trips across the Highlands and also learned about forestry and ecological restoration. Our hosts shared their home graciously with us, the food was delicious, the cottages very comfortable and quiet and I enjoyed the freedom of just walking about the grounds birding and botanizing on my own. Donna L.
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Donna L

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Donna L

I visited Aigas on a Road Scholar program, called Walking in the Scottish Highlands. During our week of field trips guided by knowledgeable and friendly rangers, I gained insight into the cultural and natural history of the Highlands. We studied the floral, fauna, geology and history while hiking on the property as well as on field trips across the Highlands and also learned about forestry and ecological restoration. Our hosts shared their home graciously with us, the food was delicious, the cottages very comfortable and quiet and I enjoyed the freedom of just walking about the grounds birding and botanizing on my own. Donna L.
My wife and I have have just returned from a Wildlife week at AIGAS Field Centre in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland. Every day was a different wildlife experience, guided by inspirational Rangers who not only knew their flora and fauna, but embellished every day with their local knowledge of geology, history and more. The wildlife in Scotland doesn't leap out at you, but it is there and the Rangers always manage to find locations where it can be found. In fact part of the excitement was scanning the skies and scenery for hidden creatures which invariably were discovered. The highlights were the otters on the west coast, dipping dippers, and the golden eagle bringing nesting material to its mountain-top eyrie. However, it wasn't just about the spectacular; almost every day we found a small and rare plant tucked away which really added to the feeling that you were in a special place. Our accommodation was very comfortable, in fact I achieved 8 hours sleep every night and always felt well rested for the next day's adventure. Furthermore, the food was absolutely superb and the staff extremely attentive. Make sure you bring plenty of layers outside of the summer season. The wind funnels down the glens and straths, and even with five good layers, I always felt I could do with a sixth! This was not a holiday and AIGAS is not an hotel. It is an educational adventure managed by a superb team for whom nothing is too much trouble. Many days are quite 'full-on' and you will learn a great deal, ending the day quite tired. If you are looking for a great Scottish wildlife experience in more than comfortable surroundings, you cannot top the AIGAS experience and I would thoroughly recommend it.
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David T

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David T

My wife and I have have just returned from a Wildlife week at AIGAS Field Centre in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland. Every day was a different wildlife experience, guided by inspirational Rangers who not only knew their flora and fauna, but embellished every day with their local knowledge of geology, history and more. The wildlife in Scotland doesn't leap out at you, but it is there and the Rangers always manage to find locations where it can be found. In fact part of the excitement was scanning the skies and scenery for hidden creatures which invariably were discovered. The highlights were the otters on the west coast, dipping dippers, and the golden eagle bringing nesting material to its mountain-top eyrie. However, it wasn't just about the spectacular; almost every day we found a small and rare plant tucked away which really added to the feeling that you were in a special place. Our accommodation was very comfortable, in fact I achieved 8 hours sleep every night and always felt well rested for the next day's adventure. Furthermore, the food was absolutely superb and the staff extremely attentive. Make sure you bring plenty of layers outside of the summer season. The wind funnels down the glens and straths, and even with five good layers, I always felt I could do with a sixth! This was not a holiday and AIGAS is not an hotel. It is an educational adventure managed by a superb team for whom nothing is too much trouble. Many days are quite 'full-on' and you will learn a great deal, ending the day quite tired. If you are looking for a great Scottish wildlife experience in more than comfortable surroundings, you cannot top the AIGAS experience and I would thoroughly recommend it.
Went to Uist with the Aigas Field Center. If you enjoy bird watching, walking, great food and comfortable accommodations, you need to check out this trip. Calum, Louis, and Martyn were fantastic guides. The group saw 93 species of birds, 7 mammals, and 10 invertebrates. I’m new to birding, so to be honest, I actually was only able to identify about half the birds (but not from the lack of the rangers and fellow travelers trying to help me.) To get the full benefit on the walks, I would highly recommend renting a good pair of binoculars from Aigas if you don’t have some. The trip isn’t just about nature. You will also visit historic sites and learn about living on Uist.
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Deborah S

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Deborah S

Went to Uist with the Aigas Field Center. If you enjoy bird watching, walking, great food and comfortable accommodations, you need to check out this trip. Calum, Louis, and Martyn were fantastic guides. The group saw 93 species of birds, 7 mammals, and 10 invertebrates. I’m new to birding, so to be honest, I actually was only able to identify about half the birds (but not from the lack of the rangers and fellow travelers trying to help me.) To get the full benefit on the walks, I would highly recommend renting a good pair of binoculars from Aigas if you don’t have some. The trip isn’t just about nature. You will also visit historic sites and learn about living on Uist.