Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

I spent two weeks under the aegis of the Aigas Field Centre, the first week at the Centre itself and the second on the tour of the Outer Hebrides. The accomodation in the individual wooden chalets at the Centre is very comfortable and provides tea/coffee making facilities and ample hot water for a shower/bath. The home cooking is a delight; we looked forward in anticipation to the freshly baked cakes provided in the Common Room where we gathered for tea on our return from "the field". The Rangers are relatively young university graduates, very knowledgable, enthusiastic and considerate. At 83, I am not that nimble on my feet, but I need not have worried - the Rangers that accompanied my two weeks (Ed at the Centre and Donald in the Outer Hebrides) took very good care of us all. For the most part, I would guess that the people on my two weeks were of age 50+, but the Centre does run courses for Families and Children, too. As others have written on this page, the wildlife views on the Aigas Weeks are comprehensive and frequently close up and the Outer Hebrides tour is a wonderful mix of local and natural history, with some geomorphology thrown in for good measure. In the glens and hills local to the Centre, one is pretty well assured of excellent sightings of relative rarities that one is unlikely to find by oneself and Donald's extensive local knowledge proved invaluable in the Outer Hebrides. Excellent binoculars are available for hire at the Centre. Highy recommended!
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TonyW20

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TonyW20

I spent two weeks under the aegis of the Aigas Field Centre, the first week at the Centre itself and the second on the tour of the Outer Hebrides. The accomodation in the individual wooden chalets at the Centre is very comfortable and provides tea/coffee making facilities and ample hot water for a shower/bath. The home cooking is a delight; we looked forward in anticipation to the freshly baked cakes provided in the Common Room where we gathered for tea on our return from "the field". The Rangers are relatively young university graduates, very knowledgable, enthusiastic and considerate. At 83, I am not that nimble on my feet, but I need not have worried - the Rangers that accompanied my two weeks (Ed at the Centre and Donald in the Outer Hebrides) took very good care of us all. For the most part, I would guess that the people on my two weeks were of age 50+, but the Centre does run courses for Families and Children, too. As others have written on this page, the wildlife views on the Aigas Weeks are comprehensive and frequently close up and the Outer Hebrides tour is a wonderful mix of local and natural history, with some geomorphology thrown in for good measure. In the glens and hills local to the Centre, one is pretty well assured of excellent sightings of relative rarities that one is unlikely to find by oneself and Donald's extensive local knowledge proved invaluable in the Outer Hebrides. Excellent binoculars are available for hire at the Centre. Highy recommended!
The first thing that struck us was that the friendliness of the staff and hosts was still as good as it had been when we went there some three years ago. Lady Lucy's one wish seemed to be that she wanted our holiday week to be as good as possible and to that end could not do enough for us whether it was a change of menu or the need for an extra pillow. We were there for a garden and wild flower week going out in a small group with a big packed lunch we chose ourselves from a variety of items with a very knowledgeable ranger to help us with local history and names of flowers which they knew the whereabouts of. Sir John added to the mix with a dry sense of humour. It was not all wild flowers as we saw some spectacular scenery, visited private gardens and listened to interesting talks. It seemed that they were there to give you the holiday you want in the way that you want it.
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Malcolm L

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Malcolm L

The first thing that struck us was that the friendliness of the staff and hosts was still as good as it had been when we went there some three years ago. Lady Lucy's one wish seemed to be that she wanted our holiday week to be as good as possible and to that end could not do enough for us whether it was a change of menu or the need for an extra pillow. We were there for a garden and wild flower week going out in a small group with a big packed lunch we chose ourselves from a variety of items with a very knowledgeable ranger to help us with local history and names of flowers which they knew the whereabouts of. Sir John added to the mix with a dry sense of humour. It was not all wild flowers as we saw some spectacular scenery, visited private gardens and listened to interesting talks. It seemed that they were there to give you the holiday you want in the way that you want it.
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.