Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

I wasn't sure what to make of Aigas. I knew it had an excellent wildlife reputation but I was rather put off by the prominence in the publicity of the aristocratic owners and their name-dropping connections to royalty etc. I had to dispel these prejudices to book a week's wildlife watching and I'm so glad I did. Not cheap but a great week and excellent customer service, not least from the Lady of the house and the brilliant Aigas rangers, whose local and wildlife knowledge was amazing. Food was great and the log cabin accommodation fine (it was a pleasure not to have TV and only limited internet connection as I immersed myself in the week's wildlife). Aigas staff could never do enough for their guests. Many other establishments could learn about customer service from them.
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JollyGreenGiant

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JollyGreenGiant

I wasn't sure what to make of Aigas. I knew it had an excellent wildlife reputation but I was rather put off by the prominence in the publicity of the aristocratic owners and their name-dropping connections to royalty etc. I had to dispel these prejudices to book a week's wildlife watching and I'm so glad I did. Not cheap but a great week and excellent customer service, not least from the Lady of the house and the brilliant Aigas rangers, whose local and wildlife knowledge was amazing. Food was great and the log cabin accommodation fine (it was a pleasure not to have TV and only limited internet connection as I immersed myself in the week's wildlife). Aigas staff could never do enough for their guests. Many other establishments could learn about customer service from them.
This was my second visit and I certainly hope to come again. Accommodation and catering are excellent and the centre is in a splendid setting within its own grounds, which encompass woodland, moorland and a small loch, the home of beavers. The daily field trips were well planned to cover a variety of Highland habitats and to encounter many species - golden eagles, red deer, otters, dolphins and pine martens perhaps the most memorable among the great many seen. The rangers who lead the trips are first-rate in their knowledge and enthusiasm and their consideration for the groups in their care. Both my stays were for one week: the first (in 2010), "Walking and Wildlife", requiring more physical stamina than the second, "Aigas Wildlife", whicxh involved walking but of a gentler nature. For both, good waterproofs and footwear were essential, binoculars too, although these can be hired. Apart from wildlife weeks, there are others focussed on different topics. For example, there was a "Creative writing" group during my second visit, and the interaction between the groups over meals is stimulating.
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JohnPPhilpott

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JohnPPhilpott

This was my second visit and I certainly hope to come again. Accommodation and catering are excellent and the centre is in a splendid setting within its own grounds, which encompass woodland, moorland and a small loch, the home of beavers. The daily field trips were well planned to cover a variety of Highland habitats and to encounter many species - golden eagles, red deer, otters, dolphins and pine martens perhaps the most memorable among the great many seen. The rangers who lead the trips are first-rate in their knowledge and enthusiasm and their consideration for the groups in their care. Both my stays were for one week: the first (in 2010), "Walking and Wildlife", requiring more physical stamina than the second, "Aigas Wildlife", whicxh involved walking but of a gentler nature. For both, good waterproofs and footwear were essential, binoculars too, although these can be hired. Apart from wildlife weeks, there are others focussed on different topics. For example, there was a "Creative writing" group during my second visit, and the interaction between the groups over meals is stimulating.
I visited Aigas on a Road Scholar program, called Walking in the Scottish Highlands. During our week of field trips guided by knowledgeable and friendly rangers, I gained insight into the cultural and natural history of the Highlands. We studied the floral, fauna, geology and history while hiking on the property as well as on field trips across the Highlands and also learned about forestry and ecological restoration. Our hosts shared their home graciously with us, the food was delicious, the cottages very comfortable and quiet and I enjoyed the freedom of just walking about the grounds birding and botanizing on my own. Donna L.
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Donna L

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Donna L

I visited Aigas on a Road Scholar program, called Walking in the Scottish Highlands. During our week of field trips guided by knowledgeable and friendly rangers, I gained insight into the cultural and natural history of the Highlands. We studied the floral, fauna, geology and history while hiking on the property as well as on field trips across the Highlands and also learned about forestry and ecological restoration. Our hosts shared their home graciously with us, the food was delicious, the cottages very comfortable and quiet and I enjoyed the freedom of just walking about the grounds birding and botanizing on my own. Donna L.