Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

This was the first time we had really done any kind of wildlife watching since we were children, and we were very apprehensive about standing out and coming across as idiots. On the contrary, the rangers were so engaging and so patient in helping us to use binoculars, how to identify different birds and really help to build our confidence and enthusiasm. We were given really helpful tips fo the best time and places to spot the beavers and had some very successful hide visits, also seeing the pine martins and wild cats, as well as a host of red squirrels and a young greater spotted woodpecker who was beautiful The food was exception and whilst we were initially hesitant about communal meals, these quickly became the highlight of our time there and Lady Lucy and Sir John were the perfect hosts.
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Anne Beckett-Allen

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Anne Beckett-Allen

This was the first time we had really done any kind of wildlife watching since we were children, and we were very apprehensive about standing out and coming across as idiots. On the contrary, the rangers were so engaging and so patient in helping us to use binoculars, how to identify different birds and really help to build our confidence and enthusiasm. We were given really helpful tips fo the best time and places to spot the beavers and had some very successful hide visits, also seeing the pine martins and wild cats, as well as a host of red squirrels and a young greater spotted woodpecker who was beautiful The food was exception and whilst we were initially hesitant about communal meals, these quickly became the highlight of our time there and Lady Lucy and Sir John were the perfect hosts.
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.
Just returned from our first trip to Aigas, and it certainly won't be our last! Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and are so grateful for all that we saw and shared. We were unbelievably fortunate to see so much wildlife; certainly set a very high standard for future trips! Loved being so close to dolphins, pine marten, badger, woodpeckers and too many other birds to mention. Beautiful countryside too. The wonderful welcome extended by our hosts, Sir John, Lady Lucy, and Warwick was beyond expectation and made the experience extra special. The food was amazing. Particularly grateful to Lucy for catering so well for my dietary needs and for the wonderful birthday surprise she created for my husband James - special & heartfelt thanks for that. All the staff were lovely and couldn't do enough to help, and in terms of the rangers/education staff, they were so incredibly knowledgable and eager to ensure all the trips/etc were maximised. We enjoyed our little cabin too and the tranquility of the whole place; also, for the most part being away from emails, TV, Internet, etc, it was lovely escapism. It's hard to find suitable words to adequately express just how much we loved our time at Aigas, suffice to say that we miss it, and can't wait to return. Huge thanks again to everyone who helped give us such a fabulous time.
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PatteMC

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PatteMC

Just returned from our first trip to Aigas, and it certainly won't be our last! Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and are so grateful for all that we saw and shared. We were unbelievably fortunate to see so much wildlife; certainly set a very high standard for future trips! Loved being so close to dolphins, pine marten, badger, woodpeckers and too many other birds to mention. Beautiful countryside too. The wonderful welcome extended by our hosts, Sir John, Lady Lucy, and Warwick was beyond expectation and made the experience extra special. The food was amazing. Particularly grateful to Lucy for catering so well for my dietary needs and for the wonderful birthday surprise she created for my husband James - special & heartfelt thanks for that. All the staff were lovely and couldn't do enough to help, and in terms of the rangers/education staff, they were so incredibly knowledgable and eager to ensure all the trips/etc were maximised. We enjoyed our little cabin too and the tranquility of the whole place; also, for the most part being away from emails, TV, Internet, etc, it was lovely escapism. It's hard to find suitable words to adequately express just how much we loved our time at Aigas, suffice to say that we miss it, and can't wait to return. Huge thanks again to everyone who helped give us such a fabulous time.