Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

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.
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Karen Watson

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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.
A fantastic week. The welcoming speech informs you that you are there as guests of the family and that certainly comes through. All the staff were excellent. The Rangers were very knowledgable, personable and multi-talented (proven at the Ceilidh evening). Our photography course with Laurie Campbell was very instructional and enjoyable. Shame the dolphins did not follow the script but photographing pine martens was a memorable experience and was the same with leaping salmon and trout. Good accommodation, lovely people, the scenic Highlands and to top it all off delicious evening meals in a very grand setting. Thanks to you all.
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RoyandNini

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RoyandNini

A fantastic week. The welcoming speech informs you that you are there as guests of the family and that certainly comes through. All the staff were excellent. The Rangers were very knowledgable, personable and multi-talented (proven at the Ceilidh evening). Our photography course with Laurie Campbell was very instructional and enjoyable. Shame the dolphins did not follow the script but photographing pine martens was a memorable experience and was the same with leaping salmon and trout. Good accommodation, lovely people, the scenic Highlands and to top it all off delicious evening meals in a very grand setting. Thanks to you all.
We had a brilliant 4 days at Aigas Field Centre in September. We had booked via the tailormade option, and enjoyed having some time to ourselves to explore the estate and spend hours in the hides (the Pinewood was particularly good for red squirrels, and we took some great photos) but also had excellent safaris with Aigas's rangers. We went in search of raft spiders and feral goats on one trip, with great photographic opportunities at a waterfall with plenty of fungi and wood ant nests to macro, and another afternoon did a slow walk around the Aigas lake, looking at insects and fungi. The rangers' knowledge and enthusiasm was excellent and made our stay very enjoyable. Our thanks also to Sir John and Lady Lucy Lister-Kaye, for some lovely rhino-related conversations and great care with my complicated dietary restrictions. The rooms are simple but exactly what's needed - warm, clean and comfortable - after long days out in search of otters and pine martens. We'll visit again, I am sure.
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CathyRhino

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CathyRhino

We had a brilliant 4 days at Aigas Field Centre in September. We had booked via the tailormade option, and enjoyed having some time to ourselves to explore the estate and spend hours in the hides (the Pinewood was particularly good for red squirrels, and we took some great photos) but also had excellent safaris with Aigas's rangers. We went in search of raft spiders and feral goats on one trip, with great photographic opportunities at a waterfall with plenty of fungi and wood ant nests to macro, and another afternoon did a slow walk around the Aigas lake, looking at insects and fungi. The rangers' knowledge and enthusiasm was excellent and made our stay very enjoyable. Our thanks also to Sir John and Lady Lucy Lister-Kaye, for some lovely rhino-related conversations and great care with my complicated dietary restrictions. The rooms are simple but exactly what's needed - warm, clean and comfortable - after long days out in search of otters and pine martens. We'll visit again, I am sure.