Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

We were impressed by the tranquil beauty of the Aigas property, a carefully restored Victorian estate and gardens. On our arrival, we received a warm greeting by the owners, Sir John and Lady Lucinda Lister-Kaye and their professional team of highly trained, good-humoured rangers. The delicious, plentiful meals and afternoon tea in the Great Hall of their mansion were wonderful; however, what we most appreciated was their commitment to enhance our knowledge of conservation, environmental issues, and the native wildlife and flora. The day trips afforded us a marvellous opportunity to learn about the geology and history of the Highlands. These were enhanced by evening lectures by Sir John and his team; visits to the blinds to see the badgers, re-introduced European beavers, and rare Scottish wildcats. We also enjoyed Sir John's historical house tour, the traditional music, and a magical evening of story telling. Perhaps our best day was spent with Sir John's son, Warwick, who normally devotes his time to managing Aigas. His knowledge of the local wildflowers, birds, and mammals in the nearby lochs and hills was astonishing: we watched golden eagles circling above the mountain summits; we saw the silhouettes of, native red deer stags on the hilltops, and watched peregrine falcon juveniles try their wings by targeting a fleeing kestral. We particularly appreciated the Aigas team's passion and commitment to environmental education, as well as their sensitivity and concern for people and this vulnerable planet. I admire their ethics, generosity and kindness toward their guests. We intend to return to this top calibre facility, which exceeded all of our expectations.
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Laura288

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Laura288

We were impressed by the tranquil beauty of the Aigas property, a carefully restored Victorian estate and gardens. On our arrival, we received a warm greeting by the owners, Sir John and Lady Lucinda Lister-Kaye and their professional team of highly trained, good-humoured rangers. The delicious, plentiful meals and afternoon tea in the Great Hall of their mansion were wonderful; however, what we most appreciated was their commitment to enhance our knowledge of conservation, environmental issues, and the native wildlife and flora. The day trips afforded us a marvellous opportunity to learn about the geology and history of the Highlands. These were enhanced by evening lectures by Sir John and his team; visits to the blinds to see the badgers, re-introduced European beavers, and rare Scottish wildcats. We also enjoyed Sir John's historical house tour, the traditional music, and a magical evening of story telling. Perhaps our best day was spent with Sir John's son, Warwick, who normally devotes his time to managing Aigas. His knowledge of the local wildflowers, birds, and mammals in the nearby lochs and hills was astonishing: we watched golden eagles circling above the mountain summits; we saw the silhouettes of, native red deer stags on the hilltops, and watched peregrine falcon juveniles try their wings by targeting a fleeing kestral. We particularly appreciated the Aigas team's passion and commitment to environmental education, as well as their sensitivity and concern for people and this vulnerable planet. I admire their ethics, generosity and kindness toward their guests. We intend to return to this top calibre facility, which exceeded all of our expectations.
I just spent a week at Aigas as part of a Road Scholar program. The Highlands are spectacular--and what you learn about them at Aigas will surprise you and give you pause to reflect on your interaction with the natural world. Sir John and Lady Lucy will make you feel like an honored guest at their beautiful country home, surrounded by exceptional gardens and comfortable guest cabins. The ranger guides are personable, enthusiastic, and highly-knowledgeable young people. During our group's trip, any differences in hiking abilities between the guests were quickly and graciously accommodated, as were special food requests. And speaking of food, one of the (unexpected!) highlights of this trip: fabulous, gourmet-quality Highland meals served under the watchful eye of the ever-gracious Lady Lucy and her efficient staff. These incredible meals enjoyed in the Great Hall of the manor will be among your fondest memories.
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Cathy F

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Cathy F

I just spent a week at Aigas as part of a Road Scholar program. The Highlands are spectacular--and what you learn about them at Aigas will surprise you and give you pause to reflect on your interaction with the natural world. Sir John and Lady Lucy will make you feel like an honored guest at their beautiful country home, surrounded by exceptional gardens and comfortable guest cabins. The ranger guides are personable, enthusiastic, and highly-knowledgeable young people. During our group's trip, any differences in hiking abilities between the guests were quickly and graciously accommodated, as were special food requests. And speaking of food, one of the (unexpected!) highlights of this trip: fabulous, gourmet-quality Highland meals served under the watchful eye of the ever-gracious Lady Lucy and her efficient staff. These incredible meals enjoyed in the Great Hall of the manor will be among your fondest memories.
Just returned from the Wild Animals in a Highland Landscape week. I am delighted to say that the whole experience was so worthwhile. Aigas is like nowhere we have been before. You become totally absorbed in the rhythms and way of life at Aigas, and how Sir John and Lady Lucinda have turned what is essentially their home into a peaceful and welcoming retreat and educational centre, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life. My partner was a little apprehensive that the other guests would be dedicated twitchers - there was certainly a lot of knowledge around the table, but people wanted to share their passions which was infectious, and it was a very friendly environment. Must mention the engaging Dr David - never thought bog myrtle and owl pellets could be so fascinating - and the rangers who are dedicated and enthusiastic. We saw all the wildlife we had hoped for, including dolphins, ospreys, red squirrels (outside our cabin) badger, beavers and pine martin, and some very beautiful parts of the Highlands. The programme is full on, but never rushed. The food was wonderful, and Lady Lucinda went out of her way to help when my boots disintegrated! All in all, a much needed chance to 'stand and stare', breath deeply in the clear air, and re-connect with the natural world.
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Jilliekins1954

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Jilliekins1954

Just returned from the Wild Animals in a Highland Landscape week. I am delighted to say that the whole experience was so worthwhile. Aigas is like nowhere we have been before. You become totally absorbed in the rhythms and way of life at Aigas, and how Sir John and Lady Lucinda have turned what is essentially their home into a peaceful and welcoming retreat and educational centre, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life. My partner was a little apprehensive that the other guests would be dedicated twitchers - there was certainly a lot of knowledge around the table, but people wanted to share their passions which was infectious, and it was a very friendly environment. Must mention the engaging Dr David - never thought bog myrtle and owl pellets could be so fascinating - and the rangers who are dedicated and enthusiastic. We saw all the wildlife we had hoped for, including dolphins, ospreys, red squirrels (outside our cabin) badger, beavers and pine martin, and some very beautiful parts of the Highlands. The programme is full on, but never rushed. The food was wonderful, and Lady Lucinda went out of her way to help when my boots disintegrated! All in all, a much needed chance to 'stand and stare', breath deeply in the clear air, and re-connect with the natural world.