Days out: Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
Did you know the Cairngorms National Park is home to Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer? Around 150 of these tame and friendly animals graze freely on the hills of this sub-arctic plateau and they’re available to visit all year round. Wondering how so many Swedish reindeer got to be in the Cairngorms? Here’s the full story.
How did they get here?
Amazingly, these reindeer have lived in Cairngorms for over 50 years. In 1947 the Swedish founders of the Reindeer Centre were on their honeymoon in Aviemore, and quickly identified it as an ideal place for reindeer to be.
Mikel Utsi and his wife Dr. Ethel Lindgren said: “Looking across Rothiemurchus Forest to the Cairngorms from the railway bridge at Aviemore on a cold morning in April 1947, I was instantly reminded of reindeer pastures in Lapland… species of ground, rock and tree lichens, which are elsewhere the chief food of reindeer, were plentiful and of little use to other animals.”
In April 1952 Mt Utsi brought some of his Swedish mountain reindeer to Scotland as an experiment – to show that they could live and breed in these surroundings.
Although it might seem like a wacky idea, the species is actually native to the UK. The last record of wild British reindeer was from about 800 years ago. Sadly, there has been a great deal of climate change since then, but the unique sub-arctic qualities of the Cairngorms provide a perfect home for reindeer and is in fact the only place left in the UK able to support the animals.
Since 1952 the herd has thrived and today there are over 150 individual reindeer. What started as an experiment has turned into a full herd, an exhibition centre, a shop, paddocks and daily visitor trips.
Planning your visit
There are two main ways to visit the reindeer – you can go up the hill to see them in person, or you can see them in the Reindeer Centre paddocks.
Hill Trip (1.5 – 2 hours)
This involves a 30-minute guided walk over rough ground but is definitely the best way to see the herd up close. You’ll head off onto the open hillside, at a relaxed pace, and then you’ll be right amongst the herd with plenty of opportunities to take photos. The ground can be muddy, wet or snowy, so wellies or hiking boots are essential, along with a waterproof jacket and warm clothing.
Adults £18.50, children £13.50 (age 3 and under free) this includes entry to the paddocks. Booking is essential. Tickets can be booked 30 days in advance via the website.
Paddocks and Exhibition
From Easter to New year a small group of reindeer are kept down at the Reindeer Centre in Glenmore. These reindeer are often ones that would benefit from a slightly easier life off the hill, and they’re alternated regularly. The Paddocks are wheelchair and pushchair accessible and are open from 10:00 – 17:00 daily. The visits to the paddock are self-guided and while you’ll get a close-up view of the reindeer here, you won’t be able to touch them or feed them.
Entry is by timed-entry slots throughout the day. You can stay as long as you like but it’s recommended to allow 30 minutes to look around. Book your time slot online: adults £3.50, children £2.50, children aged 3 and under free.
Reindeers and Christmas
Over the busy Christmas period, some of the tame adult male reindeer go out on tour nationwide. Each animal will only do a couple of weeks work before returning to their mountain home. Teams of reindeer pull sleighs, do promotional events and even work in film studios. They are relaxed and comfortable in public and have been touring since the 1990s.
Fun Reindeer Facts
Did you know…?
Every reindeer, regardless of sex or age, grows a new set of antlers every year
During May and June the calves are born and they grow very quickly
Extra wide, splayed hooves enable reindeer to spread weight on soft snow to prevent them sinking
Reindeer and Caribou are the same species
Visit the Cairngorm Reindeer website to book your visit today.
*Banner photo credit: Mathias Elle @mathias_elle_photography