Name: Aigas Field Centre
Address: Aigas Field Centre, Beauly, Inverness, Scotland, IV4 7AD
Telephone: +441463782443
Rating: 5

We were impressed by the tranquil beauty of the Aigas property, a carefully restored Victorian estate and gardens. On our arrival, we received a warm greeting by the owners, Sir John and Lady Lucinda Lister-Kaye and their professional team of highly trained, good-humoured rangers. The delicious, plentiful meals and afternoon tea in the Great Hall of their mansion were wonderful; however, what we most appreciated was their commitment to enhance our knowledge of conservation, environmental issues, and the native wildlife and flora. The day trips afforded us a marvellous opportunity to learn about the geology and history of the Highlands. These were enhanced by evening lectures by Sir John and his team; visits to the blinds to see the badgers, re-introduced European beavers, and rare Scottish wildcats. We also enjoyed Sir John's historical house tour, the traditional music, and a magical evening of story telling. Perhaps our best day was spent with Sir John's son, Warwick, who normally devotes his time to managing Aigas. His knowledge of the local wildflowers, birds, and mammals in the nearby lochs and hills was astonishing: we watched golden eagles circling above the mountain summits; we saw the silhouettes of, native red deer stags on the hilltops, and watched peregrine falcon juveniles try their wings by targeting a fleeing kestral. We particularly appreciated the Aigas team's passion and commitment to environmental education, as well as their sensitivity and concern for people and this vulnerable planet. I admire their ethics, generosity and kindness toward their guests. We intend to return to this top calibre facility, which exceeded all of our expectations.
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Laura288

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Laura288

We were impressed by the tranquil beauty of the Aigas property, a carefully restored Victorian estate and gardens. On our arrival, we received a warm greeting by the owners, Sir John and Lady Lucinda Lister-Kaye and their professional team of highly trained, good-humoured rangers. The delicious, plentiful meals and afternoon tea in the Great Hall of their mansion were wonderful; however, what we most appreciated was their commitment to enhance our knowledge of conservation, environmental issues, and the native wildlife and flora. The day trips afforded us a marvellous opportunity to learn about the geology and history of the Highlands. These were enhanced by evening lectures by Sir John and his team; visits to the blinds to see the badgers, re-introduced European beavers, and rare Scottish wildcats. We also enjoyed Sir John's historical house tour, the traditional music, and a magical evening of story telling. Perhaps our best day was spent with Sir John's son, Warwick, who normally devotes his time to managing Aigas. His knowledge of the local wildflowers, birds, and mammals in the nearby lochs and hills was astonishing: we watched golden eagles circling above the mountain summits; we saw the silhouettes of, native red deer stags on the hilltops, and watched peregrine falcon juveniles try their wings by targeting a fleeing kestral. We particularly appreciated the Aigas team's passion and commitment to environmental education, as well as their sensitivity and concern for people and this vulnerable planet. I admire their ethics, generosity and kindness toward their guests. We intend to return to this top calibre facility, which exceeded all of our expectations.
Road Scholar had a very small and wonderful group of 13 who had a wonderful learning experience in the Aigas Field Centre in Beauly, Scotland...it was a magnificent trip. We saw a great deal of the Highlands, and learned about birds, insects, trees, the rivers, history, the large animals,lochs, and I got to see a pine martin feeding at night in the Centre. It is a magical place with knowledgeable, intelligent, well-spoken young people who know their stuff. If they don't know, they will find out, and get back to you. As our group was so small, they could give us time for our many questions! Lady Lucy produced incredible meals for the Great Hall, and conversations were always interesting. Our cabin was comfy, clean, and welcoming, with a great hot shower. They will even do your laundry! This is a marvelous place for those who love Nature, and enjoy walking (ours were not especially taxing) and want to learn about and see some of the Highlands of Scotland! They have accommodations for all sorts of groups or families. Their standards are very high!
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mayflowers7

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mayflowers7

Road Scholar had a very small and wonderful group of 13 who had a wonderful learning experience in the Aigas Field Centre in Beauly, Scotland...it was a magnificent trip. We saw a great deal of the Highlands, and learned about birds, insects, trees, the rivers, history, the large animals,lochs, and I got to see a pine martin feeding at night in the Centre. It is a magical place with knowledgeable, intelligent, well-spoken young people who know their stuff. If they don't know, they will find out, and get back to you. As our group was so small, they could give us time for our many questions! Lady Lucy produced incredible meals for the Great Hall, and conversations were always interesting. Our cabin was comfy, clean, and welcoming, with a great hot shower. They will even do your laundry! This is a marvelous place for those who love Nature, and enjoy walking (ours were not especially taxing) and want to learn about and see some of the Highlands of Scotland! They have accommodations for all sorts of groups or families. Their standards are very high!
Accommodation nestled in the woodland. Food homely and tasty. Guides...just brilliant and so knowledgeable. Ethos ...positive enthusiasm in involving all in nature and the love of the landscape. Just loved our stay and John, with his dry sense of humour & drive to make a difference, and Lucy, kind helpful and very organised.....I'd definitely recommend a stay to all interested in nature.
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Teresa Benham

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Teresa Benham

Accommodation nestled in the woodland. Food homely and tasty. Guides...just brilliant and so knowledgeable. Ethos ...positive enthusiasm in involving all in nature and the love of the landscape. Just loved our stay and John, with his dry sense of humour & drive to make a difference, and Lucy, kind helpful and very organised.....I'd definitely recommend a stay to all interested in nature.