Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

My early morning walk (06.00hrs) was rewarded with almost every step - seeing the Red Squirrels chasing each other up & down the huge Sequoia Redwoods while the early blackbirds awoke numerous other song birds the list would be more than 25 without trying too hard. The estate grounds are huge with your very own loch to explore. My main objective was to reach the loch-side Beaver Lodge before they all retired for the day after feeding and home building during the early hours. Approaching quietly (nobody else was up yet) I spotted the young male Beaver chewing on his last "bread stick" a freshly cut branch from his favored Aspen tree. What a picture! it sure made my day but then again every day was literally made for us all. I joined my wife and the other birding group members for strong coffee served personally by Lady Lucy as was hot porridge for those wishing to "fill up" before the days adventures. Lord John - an expert naturalist - reminded us to note & report back any "special sightings" during his pre-dinner drinks visit. A Red Throated Diver; Black Throated Diver & Crossbill all on one day possibly impressed me rather more than him - but I am no birder. This mattered not as the fantastic group we accompanied were all very keen to share their knowledge and help us with identifying more than one hundred species during the week. Best of all was our Ranger/guide/driver/map-reader/tee coffee maker & most important qualified nursing "Tick" remover! Namely - Jenny Campbell. She was admired by us all so much that we all wanted to take her home but she would not leave AIGAS - which was no surprise. For a wildlife experience and a chance to see Beavers Badgers & Pine Martens up close in the most tranquil & scenic country side of the Scottish Highlands YOU MUST GO TO "AIGAS FIELD CENTRE" Visit www.aigas.co.uk for all details and dates.
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pickytripers

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pickytripers

My early morning walk (06.00hrs) was rewarded with almost every step - seeing the Red Squirrels chasing each other up & down the huge Sequoia Redwoods while the early blackbirds awoke numerous other song birds the list would be more than 25 without trying too hard. The estate grounds are huge with your very own loch to explore. My main objective was to reach the loch-side Beaver Lodge before they all retired for the day after feeding and home building during the early hours. Approaching quietly (nobody else was up yet) I spotted the young male Beaver chewing on his last "bread stick" a freshly cut branch from his favored Aspen tree. What a picture! it sure made my day but then again every day was literally made for us all. I joined my wife and the other birding group members for strong coffee served personally by Lady Lucy as was hot porridge for those wishing to "fill up" before the days adventures. Lord John - an expert naturalist - reminded us to note & report back any "special sightings" during his pre-dinner drinks visit. A Red Throated Diver; Black Throated Diver & Crossbill all on one day possibly impressed me rather more than him - but I am no birder. This mattered not as the fantastic group we accompanied were all very keen to share their knowledge and help us with identifying more than one hundred species during the week. Best of all was our Ranger/guide/driver/map-reader/tee coffee maker & most important qualified nursing "Tick" remover! Namely - Jenny Campbell. She was admired by us all so much that we all wanted to take her home but she would not leave AIGAS - which was no surprise. For a wildlife experience and a chance to see Beavers Badgers & Pine Martens up close in the most tranquil & scenic country side of the Scottish Highlands YOU MUST GO TO "AIGAS FIELD CENTRE" Visit www.aigas.co.uk for all details and dates.
I wasn't sure what to make of Aigas. I knew it had an excellent wildlife reputation but I was rather put off by the prominence in the publicity of the aristocratic owners and their name-dropping connections to royalty etc. I had to dispel these prejudices to book a week's wildlife watching and I'm so glad I did. Not cheap but a great week and excellent customer service, not least from the Lady of the house and the brilliant Aigas rangers, whose local and wildlife knowledge was amazing. Food was great and the log cabin accommodation fine (it was a pleasure not to have TV and only limited internet connection as I immersed myself in the week's wildlife). Aigas staff could never do enough for their guests. Many other establishments could learn about customer service from them.
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JollyGreenGiant

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JollyGreenGiant

I wasn't sure what to make of Aigas. I knew it had an excellent wildlife reputation but I was rather put off by the prominence in the publicity of the aristocratic owners and their name-dropping connections to royalty etc. I had to dispel these prejudices to book a week's wildlife watching and I'm so glad I did. Not cheap but a great week and excellent customer service, not least from the Lady of the house and the brilliant Aigas rangers, whose local and wildlife knowledge was amazing. Food was great and the log cabin accommodation fine (it was a pleasure not to have TV and only limited internet connection as I immersed myself in the week's wildlife). Aigas staff could never do enough for their guests. Many other establishments could learn about customer service from them.
From the very start when we were picked up at the station, to our warm welcome into the family home, and throughout our amazing daily wildlife excursions up until our (very) reluctant departure, we experienced the most incredible hospitality from the Lister-Kaye family and their staff
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Bridget Hardie

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Bridget Hardie

From the very start when we were picked up at the station, to our warm welcome into the family home, and throughout our amazing daily wildlife excursions up until our (very) reluctant departure, we experienced the most incredible hospitality from the Lister-Kaye family and their staff