Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

I spent two weeks under the aegis of the Aigas Field Centre, the first week at the Centre itself and the second on the tour of the Outer Hebrides. The accomodation in the individual wooden chalets at the Centre is very comfortable and provides tea/coffee making facilities and ample hot water for a shower/bath. The home cooking is a delight; we looked forward in anticipation to the freshly baked cakes provided in the Common Room where we gathered for tea on our return from "the field". The Rangers are relatively young university graduates, very knowledgable, enthusiastic and considerate. At 83, I am not that nimble on my feet, but I need not have worried - the Rangers that accompanied my two weeks (Ed at the Centre and Donald in the Outer Hebrides) took very good care of us all. For the most part, I would guess that the people on my two weeks were of age 50+, but the Centre does run courses for Families and Children, too. As others have written on this page, the wildlife views on the Aigas Weeks are comprehensive and frequently close up and the Outer Hebrides tour is a wonderful mix of local and natural history, with some geomorphology thrown in for good measure. In the glens and hills local to the Centre, one is pretty well assured of excellent sightings of relative rarities that one is unlikely to find by oneself and Donald's extensive local knowledge proved invaluable in the Outer Hebrides. Excellent binoculars are available for hire at the Centre. Highy recommended!
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TonyW20

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TonyW20

I spent two weeks under the aegis of the Aigas Field Centre, the first week at the Centre itself and the second on the tour of the Outer Hebrides. The accomodation in the individual wooden chalets at the Centre is very comfortable and provides tea/coffee making facilities and ample hot water for a shower/bath. The home cooking is a delight; we looked forward in anticipation to the freshly baked cakes provided in the Common Room where we gathered for tea on our return from "the field". The Rangers are relatively young university graduates, very knowledgable, enthusiastic and considerate. At 83, I am not that nimble on my feet, but I need not have worried - the Rangers that accompanied my two weeks (Ed at the Centre and Donald in the Outer Hebrides) took very good care of us all. For the most part, I would guess that the people on my two weeks were of age 50+, but the Centre does run courses for Families and Children, too. As others have written on this page, the wildlife views on the Aigas Weeks are comprehensive and frequently close up and the Outer Hebrides tour is a wonderful mix of local and natural history, with some geomorphology thrown in for good measure. In the glens and hills local to the Centre, one is pretty well assured of excellent sightings of relative rarities that one is unlikely to find by oneself and Donald's extensive local knowledge proved invaluable in the Outer Hebrides. Excellent binoculars are available for hire at the Centre. Highy recommended!
The first thing that struck us was that the friendliness of the staff and hosts was still as good as it had been when we went there some three years ago. Lady Lucy's one wish seemed to be that she wanted our holiday week to be as good as possible and to that end could not do enough for us whether it was a change of menu or the need for an extra pillow. We were there for a garden and wild flower week going out in a small group with a big packed lunch we chose ourselves from a variety of items with a very knowledgeable ranger to help us with local history and names of flowers which they knew the whereabouts of. Sir John added to the mix with a dry sense of humour. It was not all wild flowers as we saw some spectacular scenery, visited private gardens and listened to interesting talks. It seemed that they were there to give you the holiday you want in the way that you want it.
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Malcolm L

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Malcolm L

The first thing that struck us was that the friendliness of the staff and hosts was still as good as it had been when we went there some three years ago. Lady Lucy's one wish seemed to be that she wanted our holiday week to be as good as possible and to that end could not do enough for us whether it was a change of menu or the need for an extra pillow. We were there for a garden and wild flower week going out in a small group with a big packed lunch we chose ourselves from a variety of items with a very knowledgeable ranger to help us with local history and names of flowers which they knew the whereabouts of. Sir John added to the mix with a dry sense of humour. It was not all wild flowers as we saw some spectacular scenery, visited private gardens and listened to interesting talks. It seemed that they were there to give you the holiday you want in the way that you want it.
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.