Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

Comfortable accomodation and excellent food in a superb setting. We were taken out in a minibus every day by young, enthusiastic and incredibly knowledgeable rangers who couldn't do enough for us. The attitude at Aigas is: "If you want anything, just ask". We saw beavers, badgers, wildcats, dolphins and a pine marten, and ccountless birds, but otters and white tailed sea eagles wouldn't cooperate. I was glad I took walking boots as well as trainers. I'm glad I had a camera and a sun hat, and it's well worth hiring Zwarovski binoculars. Agas has come to feel like home, and I shall be back.
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John B

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John B

Comfortable accomodation and excellent food in a superb setting. We were taken out in a minibus every day by young, enthusiastic and incredibly knowledgeable rangers who couldn't do enough for us. The attitude at Aigas is: "If you want anything, just ask". We saw beavers, badgers, wildcats, dolphins and a pine marten, and ccountless birds, but otters and white tailed sea eagles wouldn't cooperate. I was glad I took walking boots as well as trainers. I'm glad I had a camera and a sun hat, and it's well worth hiring Zwarovski binoculars. Agas has come to feel like home, and I shall be back.
I participated in one of the week-long Aigas Wildlife programs along with 15 others. We were divided into two groups of 8 as we roamed the glens, straths, and lochs of the Highlands, from east coast to west, in search of birds, eagles and deer. Several hides provided views of pine martin, badgers and more. The Rangers were exceptionally friendly, informative and able to take us to the very best viewing areas. Sir John, Lady Lucy and Warwick Lister- Kaye were attentive, welcoming and provided much information. Breakfast and dinner, served in the Aigas house, was a time to talk to each other and enjoy the wonderful and plentiful food. Sandwiches and snacks were provided for day-long excursions. The gardens surrounding the house are amazing. I took advantage of the extended daylight to walk to the Iron Age fort for a spectacular view. I was lucky to be the only U.S. attendee, and thoroughly enjoyed hearing about others' experiences. The Highlands are stunningly gorgeous, changing quickly from sun to rain, and, with that, the entire landscape transforms itself. I'm sure any of the programs offered by the Aigas Field Centre would be extremely well run, as was this one. I couldn't recommend this experience more. The absolute highlight of my two week stay in Scotland.
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travlibrarian

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travlibrarian

I participated in one of the week-long Aigas Wildlife programs along with 15 others. We were divided into two groups of 8 as we roamed the glens, straths, and lochs of the Highlands, from east coast to west, in search of birds, eagles and deer. Several hides provided views of pine martin, badgers and more. The Rangers were exceptionally friendly, informative and able to take us to the very best viewing areas. Sir John, Lady Lucy and Warwick Lister- Kaye were attentive, welcoming and provided much information. Breakfast and dinner, served in the Aigas house, was a time to talk to each other and enjoy the wonderful and plentiful food. Sandwiches and snacks were provided for day-long excursions. The gardens surrounding the house are amazing. I took advantage of the extended daylight to walk to the Iron Age fort for a spectacular view. I was lucky to be the only U.S. attendee, and thoroughly enjoyed hearing about others' experiences. The Highlands are stunningly gorgeous, changing quickly from sun to rain, and, with that, the entire landscape transforms itself. I'm sure any of the programs offered by the Aigas Field Centre would be extremely well run, as was this one. I couldn't recommend this experience more. The absolute highlight of my two week stay in Scotland.
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.