Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the Wildlife programme we'd booked on - the weather didn't look good and much of the wildlife we wanted to see was known to be elusive at the best of times. But thanks to the expertise, diligence and sheer overwhelming enthusiasm of the rangers - and I'd pick out Imogen and George as the ones who found us otters, sea eagles, golden eagles and a merlin - we saw everything we hoped for and more. The trips out to the west coast, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and up a number of the straths all bought new sightings but also new insights as the wildlife and flora were pointed out and explained. We rode next to leaping dolphins and diving sdeabirds in the Cromarty Firth. And there was no pretending to know things they didn't - if they didn't know they looked it up and told us later. From the hides at Aigas we saw pine marten, badger and beavers, as well as woodpeckers, owls, voles and many other species. But Aigas isn't just about the wildlife - it's about the hospitality in the comfortable lodges and then the house, with its stunning dining room and food that matches the surroundings. We didn't have a disappointing meal, Lucy provided great buffet lunches and superb dinners, from which I'd pick out the home-made soups as just outstanding, especially the spinach and lemon. To add to it all we have a great introductory talk by John Lister-Kaye, studded with jewels of poetry and prose to explain his love of nature and why he started Aigas. Even better was the finale on Friday night, when he read to the groups from his own and others' writings on the natural world - a great speaker and reader who imbues each word with meaning and feeling. If there is a criticism it is that there is a lot to do and perhaps too little time to explore the grounds at Aigas - but everything we did was worth doing. If you like your hide visits to be quiet and studious, as do I, perhaps you might want to check to see that you are there when there isn't a large American group around. They were lovely people but apt to talk constantly in the hides.. But this did not detract seriously from a fantastic week, though.
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Keith S

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Keith S

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the Wildlife programme we'd booked on - the weather didn't look good and much of the wildlife we wanted to see was known to be elusive at the best of times. But thanks to the expertise, diligence and sheer overwhelming enthusiasm of the rangers - and I'd pick out Imogen and George as the ones who found us otters, sea eagles, golden eagles and a merlin - we saw everything we hoped for and more. The trips out to the west coast, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and up a number of the straths all bought new sightings but also new insights as the wildlife and flora were pointed out and explained. We rode next to leaping dolphins and diving sdeabirds in the Cromarty Firth. And there was no pretending to know things they didn't - if they didn't know they looked it up and told us later. From the hides at Aigas we saw pine marten, badger and beavers, as well as woodpeckers, owls, voles and many other species. But Aigas isn't just about the wildlife - it's about the hospitality in the comfortable lodges and then the house, with its stunning dining room and food that matches the surroundings. We didn't have a disappointing meal, Lucy provided great buffet lunches and superb dinners, from which I'd pick out the home-made soups as just outstanding, especially the spinach and lemon. To add to it all we have a great introductory talk by John Lister-Kaye, studded with jewels of poetry and prose to explain his love of nature and why he started Aigas. Even better was the finale on Friday night, when he read to the groups from his own and others' writings on the natural world - a great speaker and reader who imbues each word with meaning and feeling. If there is a criticism it is that there is a lot to do and perhaps too little time to explore the grounds at Aigas - but everything we did was worth doing. If you like your hide visits to be quiet and studious, as do I, perhaps you might want to check to see that you are there when there isn't a large American group around. They were lovely people but apt to talk constantly in the hides.. But this did not detract seriously from a fantastic week, though.
Merkinch Activity Group spent a very happy day at Aigas last week and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Several people commented that it was their favourite trip so far. The staff were exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly making us all feel very welcome and informed at all times. We all enjoyed seeing the wildcats and hearing from Silver about the project with the chimpanzees in Uganda. The walk around the loch was just beautiful and again, it was fabulous to hear from staff about the beaver, native plants and history of the estate.
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glasvegan

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glasvegan

Merkinch Activity Group spent a very happy day at Aigas last week and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Several people commented that it was their favourite trip so far. The staff were exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly making us all feel very welcome and informed at all times. We all enjoyed seeing the wildcats and hearing from Silver about the project with the chimpanzees in Uganda. The walk around the loch was just beautiful and again, it was fabulous to hear from staff about the beaver, native plants and history of the estate.
Staying in the grounds of Aigas House is a wildlife treat in itself. The accommodation in timber lodges and surrounded by beautiful scenery was only the start. The young team of rangers were well organised, cheerful and extremely knowlegable about the local wildlife and history of the region. They made each daily outing a fascinating event. Rather than being on the fringes of hospitality, Sir John and Lady Lucy were very much in evidence each day to ensure we were well fed and part of the 'house party' atmosphere of their beautiful home. I certainly hope to return and thought it was worth every penny of the not insignificant holiday cost.
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Val H

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Val H

Staying in the grounds of Aigas House is a wildlife treat in itself. The accommodation in timber lodges and surrounded by beautiful scenery was only the start. The young team of rangers were well organised, cheerful and extremely knowlegable about the local wildlife and history of the region. They made each daily outing a fascinating event. Rather than being on the fringes of hospitality, Sir John and Lady Lucy were very much in evidence each day to ensure we were well fed and part of the 'house party' atmosphere of their beautiful home. I certainly hope to return and thought it was worth every penny of the not insignificant holiday cost.