Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

I booked the walking with wildlife week in early June. I stayed in rustic,comfortable en suite log cabin in the grounds of the estate, you really felt close to nature. All the meals were served in the main family home a short walk from the cabins. The food is outstanding, breakfast is porridge, fruits cereal and toast. A packed lunch is supplied for the field trips and hot beverages are taken in the mini buses. The evening meal is a set meal and changed daily, there are alternatives and flexabilityfor those who have dietary needs. The house also has a common room for daily meetings coffee and tea, where most information can be obtained. There is also a natural history library and gift shop. The programme was flexible and allowed the group to stretch our legs on the hills and in the valleys around the locality. All walks were escorted by one or two rangers who had a keen eye for spotting wildlife and were very knowledgeable on local history, geology and the various branches of ecology they had studied. The wildlife we spotted was outstanding, well worth the visit. The local wild flowers were in bloom and several rare species were pointed out. A small lake is situated in the grounds along with hides in several locations, about 10 minutes walk from the cabins. We sat here and watch a Beaver for 30 minutes, something I never thought I would see in the UK. Also Pine martins and Red Squirrels. A great holiday with a lot packed in. It is well worth looking at the extensive programme on the web site to see which weeks activity best suits. The hosts and staff are wonderful, they cannot do enough to make your stay such a memorable experience.
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Gavin P

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Gavin P

I booked the walking with wildlife week in early June. I stayed in rustic,comfortable en suite log cabin in the grounds of the estate, you really felt close to nature. All the meals were served in the main family home a short walk from the cabins. The food is outstanding, breakfast is porridge, fruits cereal and toast. A packed lunch is supplied for the field trips and hot beverages are taken in the mini buses. The evening meal is a set meal and changed daily, there are alternatives and flexabilityfor those who have dietary needs. The house also has a common room for daily meetings coffee and tea, where most information can be obtained. There is also a natural history library and gift shop. The programme was flexible and allowed the group to stretch our legs on the hills and in the valleys around the locality. All walks were escorted by one or two rangers who had a keen eye for spotting wildlife and were very knowledgeable on local history, geology and the various branches of ecology they had studied. The wildlife we spotted was outstanding, well worth the visit. The local wild flowers were in bloom and several rare species were pointed out. A small lake is situated in the grounds along with hides in several locations, about 10 minutes walk from the cabins. We sat here and watch a Beaver for 30 minutes, something I never thought I would see in the UK. Also Pine martins and Red Squirrels. A great holiday with a lot packed in. It is well worth looking at the extensive programme on the web site to see which weeks activity best suits. The hosts and staff are wonderful, they cannot do enough to make your stay such a memorable experience.
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.
The AIGAS Experience is not to be missed. It is an unforgettable week of Wildlife Sightings and learning about the many and varied aspects of conservation and the AIGAS' involvement at this most pressing and important time. The holiday itself could not have been better. The Lister-Kaye family, the Rangers and all the Staff went out of their way to ensure we were well catered for. Nothing was too much trouble. The accommodation was comfortable and clean, the food delicious, packed lunches, afternoon tea, drinks-all just right and very welcome at the end of very full days. The RANGERS - a more friendly and pleasant bunch of young people would be hard to find. Their knowledge was wide- ranging and informative.
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128Jeanj

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128Jeanj

The AIGAS Experience is not to be missed. It is an unforgettable week of Wildlife Sightings and learning about the many and varied aspects of conservation and the AIGAS' involvement at this most pressing and important time. The holiday itself could not have been better. The Lister-Kaye family, the Rangers and all the Staff went out of their way to ensure we were well catered for. Nothing was too much trouble. The accommodation was comfortable and clean, the food delicious, packed lunches, afternoon tea, drinks-all just right and very welcome at the end of very full days. The RANGERS - a more friendly and pleasant bunch of young people would be hard to find. Their knowledge was wide- ranging and informative.