Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

I participated in Aigas Wildlife Week which was a week full of nature at Aigas Field House and surrounding areas. I was on an extended visit to Scotland with a lot of history and urban visiting, so this mental break and green surrounding was appreciated. The Rangers work hard to cover all interests and the other guests can bring welcome knowledge and experience as well. Though the day trips were occasionally long, the pace was comfortable and time was allowed to enjoy the scenery. I am a birder, so this was a better fit than some bird-centric trips that are just 'tick the sighting and drive off'. I appreciated the fact there is no single supplement for a private cabin room and that dietary needs are well cared for. We had both gluten-free and vegetarian guests and it was often difficult to tell the special meal from the normal menu. It was all very tasty and plentiful. Breakfast is a cold buffet (with hot oatmeal)! Lunch typically a pack a bag buffet, and dinner a full served meal. Cabins are several bedrooms arranged around a common living room and kitchen. They are slightly spread out, but all easily walkable to the main house. They are well heated with individual radiators. The grounds are extensive with trails, gardens and viewing hides and easily manageable to visit in your down time. There are numerous planned weeks or long weekend programs as well as a bed and breakfast, or short let accommodations. My week at Aigas was a real treat for me and will be one of my Scotland highlights.
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Quiltingmamma

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Quiltingmamma

I participated in Aigas Wildlife Week which was a week full of nature at Aigas Field House and surrounding areas. I was on an extended visit to Scotland with a lot of history and urban visiting, so this mental break and green surrounding was appreciated. The Rangers work hard to cover all interests and the other guests can bring welcome knowledge and experience as well. Though the day trips were occasionally long, the pace was comfortable and time was allowed to enjoy the scenery. I am a birder, so this was a better fit than some bird-centric trips that are just 'tick the sighting and drive off'. I appreciated the fact there is no single supplement for a private cabin room and that dietary needs are well cared for. We had both gluten-free and vegetarian guests and it was often difficult to tell the special meal from the normal menu. It was all very tasty and plentiful. Breakfast is a cold buffet (with hot oatmeal)! Lunch typically a pack a bag buffet, and dinner a full served meal. Cabins are several bedrooms arranged around a common living room and kitchen. They are slightly spread out, but all easily walkable to the main house. They are well heated with individual radiators. The grounds are extensive with trails, gardens and viewing hides and easily manageable to visit in your down time. There are numerous planned weeks or long weekend programs as well as a bed and breakfast, or short let accommodations. My week at Aigas was a real treat for me and will be one of my Scotland highlights.
We spent two lovely weeks in August at Aigas House and Field Center on a Road Scholar Tour, exploring the Scottish Highlands, a wonderfully rich experience that exceeded all our expectations. We hiked in gorgeous glens and moorlands, watched dolphins leaping alongside us in the Moray Firth, and spent quiet time in Aigas's nature "hides" at nightfall, watching for badgers, pine martens and beaver to appear. We visited castles and learned about their dramatic histories, and enjoyed hearing the Aigas Rangers recount local lore and anecdotes while teaching us about Highlands flora, fauna and geology, which they so obviously love. We were treated to a house tour and tea at historic Arniston House hosted by the lady of the house and her daughter. We visited with a local crofter who brought us into her home and told us about her family's 75 years on the land, highlighted by a visit to her beautiful flower and vegetable garden overlooking cattle grazing on rolling pastures. We learned about Aigas's inspiring efforts, led by Sir John Lister-Kaye and the Aigas Rangers, helping to restore native wildlife species and habitats in collaboration with the Scottish National Trust and non-profits such as Trees For Life, an organization that painstakingly nurtures native seedling trees for Highlands reforestation projects. Lady Lucy and her Aigas staff provided for our every need with warm personal attention, gracious hospitality and wonderful cuisine. Lady Lucy's guided tour of the Aigas house and gardens were a highlight of our stay. We were inspired, awed and enchanted, and fell in love with this place and the people we met. We hope to visit again soon.
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Lois E

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Lois E

We spent two lovely weeks in August at Aigas House and Field Center on a Road Scholar Tour, exploring the Scottish Highlands, a wonderfully rich experience that exceeded all our expectations. We hiked in gorgeous glens and moorlands, watched dolphins leaping alongside us in the Moray Firth, and spent quiet time in Aigas's nature "hides" at nightfall, watching for badgers, pine martens and beaver to appear. We visited castles and learned about their dramatic histories, and enjoyed hearing the Aigas Rangers recount local lore and anecdotes while teaching us about Highlands flora, fauna and geology, which they so obviously love. We were treated to a house tour and tea at historic Arniston House hosted by the lady of the house and her daughter. We visited with a local crofter who brought us into her home and told us about her family's 75 years on the land, highlighted by a visit to her beautiful flower and vegetable garden overlooking cattle grazing on rolling pastures. We learned about Aigas's inspiring efforts, led by Sir John Lister-Kaye and the Aigas Rangers, helping to restore native wildlife species and habitats in collaboration with the Scottish National Trust and non-profits such as Trees For Life, an organization that painstakingly nurtures native seedling trees for Highlands reforestation projects. Lady Lucy and her Aigas staff provided for our every need with warm personal attention, gracious hospitality and wonderful cuisine. Lady Lucy's guided tour of the Aigas house and gardens were a highlight of our stay. We were inspired, awed and enchanted, and fell in love with this place and the people we met. We hope to visit again soon.
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.