Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

We had a wonderful time at Aigas. I think I know a reasonable amount about wildlife in Scotland, but we saw things on this holiday that I have never seen before and am sure I would never have discovered myself (sea eagles, golden eagles, close up views of otters etc.). The dolphin watching trip was also by far the best one I have ever been on - and I have been on quite a few in various parts of the world. The rangers really know their stuff and are nice with it. The accommodation is good but not particularly luxurious. I was a bit nervous that we would be sharing our cabin with a stranger - but as there were three of us we had a two bed cabin to ourselves. Really we did not spend that much time there except for sleeping, as we were out and about all day and the meals were all served in the baronial hall of the main house. This was also fun - I wasn't sure how much I would like the social aspect of dining with other people - but in fact it was fun - we exchanged experiences with people from all walks of life and made some friends. The food was also very good. In short we had a great week. Nothing was too much for the staff (down to making a special vegan cake for afternoon tea for our vegan). I plan to go back next year and take my mum. One point to note about the wildlife week is that it doesn't require a huge amount of walking - so it would be fine for older people who love wildlife but aren't up for 5 mile hikes up mountains.
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Marion McCune

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Marion McCune

We had a wonderful time at Aigas. I think I know a reasonable amount about wildlife in Scotland, but we saw things on this holiday that I have never seen before and am sure I would never have discovered myself (sea eagles, golden eagles, close up views of otters etc.). The dolphin watching trip was also by far the best one I have ever been on - and I have been on quite a few in various parts of the world. The rangers really know their stuff and are nice with it. The accommodation is good but not particularly luxurious. I was a bit nervous that we would be sharing our cabin with a stranger - but as there were three of us we had a two bed cabin to ourselves. Really we did not spend that much time there except for sleeping, as we were out and about all day and the meals were all served in the baronial hall of the main house. This was also fun - I wasn't sure how much I would like the social aspect of dining with other people - but in fact it was fun - we exchanged experiences with people from all walks of life and made some friends. The food was also very good. In short we had a great week. Nothing was too much for the staff (down to making a special vegan cake for afternoon tea for our vegan). I plan to go back next year and take my mum. One point to note about the wildlife week is that it doesn't require a huge amount of walking - so it would be fine for older people who love wildlife but aren't up for 5 mile hikes up mountains.
I spent 4 nights at Aigas with a day out with rangers and an early morning trip to try and see otters whilst there. Firstly Covid-19 related issues. The preventative steps have been well thought out. As well as comprehensive cleaning of rooms staff wear masks at all times as do guests when moving indoors or in vehicles. Hand sanitiser is Seating for dinner is socially distanced. I stayed in a lodge which was clean, warm and comfortable. Lots of space for a couple and would be fine for a family group of 4 (2 bedrooms). The house has lots of space and I enjoyed a simple breakfast (fruit, porridge, toast and local honey or preserves). The 3 course dinners were varied and well cooked. The grounds are tremendous for those interested in photography or wildlife. Several very comfortable hides are available and set up for different species. I got lovely opportunities to photograph red squirrels, pine martens, badgers and various birds. Unfortunately otters and beavers (resident in the loch) avoided me. Staff are friendly and knowledgable. Sir John, Lady Lucy and Hermione all welcoming, The rangers very well organised and fun to be with for trips - I learnt a lot about wildlife, geography and local history. There are a students on placement for the year who are also happy to chat with guests. Overall I was very impressed with the set-up, welcome and organisation especially at a time when so many challenges have been posed by Covid and related changes in laws and regulations.
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mfhunter

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mfhunter

I spent 4 nights at Aigas with a day out with rangers and an early morning trip to try and see otters whilst there. Firstly Covid-19 related issues. The preventative steps have been well thought out. As well as comprehensive cleaning of rooms staff wear masks at all times as do guests when moving indoors or in vehicles. Hand sanitiser is Seating for dinner is socially distanced. I stayed in a lodge which was clean, warm and comfortable. Lots of space for a couple and would be fine for a family group of 4 (2 bedrooms). The house has lots of space and I enjoyed a simple breakfast (fruit, porridge, toast and local honey or preserves). The 3 course dinners were varied and well cooked. The grounds are tremendous for those interested in photography or wildlife. Several very comfortable hides are available and set up for different species. I got lovely opportunities to photograph red squirrels, pine martens, badgers and various birds. Unfortunately otters and beavers (resident in the loch) avoided me. Staff are friendly and knowledgable. Sir John, Lady Lucy and Hermione all welcoming, The rangers very well organised and fun to be with for trips - I learnt a lot about wildlife, geography and local history. There are a students on placement for the year who are also happy to chat with guests. Overall I was very impressed with the set-up, welcome and organisation especially at a time when so many challenges have been posed by Covid and related changes in laws and regulations.
Staying a week at Aigas - with its grounds, rangers, and Sir John and Lady Lucy - is among the most exceptional of my many travel experiences. Think wildlife refuge and rewilding programs rolled into a refurbished Victorian estate led by Sir John Lister-Kaye, well known in the naturalist and conservation circles for his pioneering work.I stayed for a week as part of an educational tour group, and enjoyed each day fully. Through field trips, hikes, and events, I learned a great deal about Scotland's rich history and current efforts to restore biodiversity to the country. The rangers who led our trips were knowledgeable, energetic, and enthusiastic. The modest accommodations adjacent to the estate house were clean and comfortable, with big windows for spotting red squirrels and bird life. The food was creative and fabulous, served in a spectacular dining hall. The garden and grounds were breathtaking. Sir John and Lady Lucy and Hermione were gracious hosts, eager that their guests enjoyed their stay. Make sure to look closely at the center's website, because Aigas is not open to the public. Only to guests who have signed up for its various programs. I'm eyeing the list now for another adventure. Highly recommended.
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GingerBeerBaltimore

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GingerBeerBaltimore

Staying a week at Aigas - with its grounds, rangers, and Sir John and Lady Lucy - is among the most exceptional of my many travel experiences. Think wildlife refuge and rewilding programs rolled into a refurbished Victorian estate led by Sir John Lister-Kaye, well known in the naturalist and conservation circles for his pioneering work.I stayed for a week as part of an educational tour group, and enjoyed each day fully. Through field trips, hikes, and events, I learned a great deal about Scotland's rich history and current efforts to restore biodiversity to the country. The rangers who led our trips were knowledgeable, energetic, and enthusiastic. The modest accommodations adjacent to the estate house were clean and comfortable, with big windows for spotting red squirrels and bird life. The food was creative and fabulous, served in a spectacular dining hall. The garden and grounds were breathtaking. Sir John and Lady Lucy and Hermione were gracious hosts, eager that their guests enjoyed their stay. Make sure to look closely at the center's website, because Aigas is not open to the public. Only to guests who have signed up for its various programs. I'm eyeing the list now for another adventure. Highly recommended.