The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd

27/06/2026

During the summer months we do some harness training with our male reindeer. This gets them used to the feel of the harness and sound of the bells which is all good training for if they pull a sleigh later in life.

As always, a young reindeer will be paired with an older more experienced 'trainer' and they simple have to follow their lead. Really, it's the older reindeer that do the training, not us!

Here we have Sheena with Kulfi (with the white nose) and Alicia with Limpopo. Tucked behind are H**p, Busby, Calippo and Macchiato. 🥳

26/06/2026

It is the last Friday of the month which means it is photo blog day!

At the end of May, the first group of cows and calves made their way out onto the free range for the summer as the younger group were growing stronger and more confident. A week into June the last group of cows and calves were walked out onto the free range to spend their summer...

25/06/2026

Reindeer have very large feet comprising of four toes, helping to spread their weight on snow in the winter and boggy, wet ground in the summer. They can also act like paddles, making reindeer good swimmers if need be!

24/06/2026

What a fancy toupée, Cicero!

Our reindeer are currently in the thick of the annual moult! It's goodbye to last year's winter coats, and hello to their summer wear. ☀️😎

22/06/2026

We made the most of the longest day of the year yesterday by heading out to the hills to see some of the cows and calves who are currently out free-ranging.

It's the first time we have seen them since they left our hill enclosure 2 weeks ago and it was amazing to see how much they have changed! 🤩

22/06/2026

*** Thanks all, think we're now set!***

Calling all Spanish speakers!

We are looking for someone who could proofread a couple of Spanish translations for us. If you could help us out, please send an email to [email protected].

Coffee here sends his thanks in advance!

19/06/2026

This week's blog is all about the fascinating way that reindeer metabolisms change through the seasons! Including some lovely photos.

The bodies of reindeer go through many changes allowing them to cope with huge temperature difference throughout the seasons. In summer reindeer can cope with temperatures above 30 degrees and the lowest recorded temperature that reindeer have been know to survive is -72 degrees Celsius. Reindeer ha...

18/06/2026

It's *this* time of year again!!! The first of the June newsletters will head off in the post tomorrow, with the rest to follow early next week. As ever we've tried to only send one newsletter to couples who adopt two reindeer between them, though kids always get their own post 😉 If we do this wrongly in some way though, please tell us so we can put a note on the database for next time!

17/06/2026

Sometimes our reindeer can be a little too friendly!

Here is Espresso, who couldn't resist saying hi to the camera yesterday! 🤩

Espresso is currently moulting his winter coat revealing his dark summer coat underneath. Here you can see the darker summer coat around his nose and eyes and the remaining paler winter coat.

16/06/2026

UPDATE: POSITION NOW FILLED!

Calling future volunteers! 📣 Due to a cancellation we have one placement available NEXT WEEK - week commencing Monday the 22nd of June.

If you are aged 18 years of age or over, you are welcome to apply. Placements last 5 to 7 days for one volunteer at a time. We can't provide any accommodation, and as accommodation books up VERY quickly in the area this might be a stumbling block for many people who otherwise might want to help out for the week. However, the lovely Glenmore Campsite, just across the road from us, currently has space if you're happy in a tent or van! ⛺️🚚

If you’re interested in applying, we recommend getting in touch with us ASAP - please email us rather than message through social media ([email protected]).
Before applying, bear in mind that work at the Reindeer Centre can be very physical. It involves carrying heavy bags of feed to the reindeer in the mountains several times a day (20-30 minute walk over rough, wet mountain ground) in all weathers. While we will try to ensure you get as much time working with the reindeer as possible, the nature of the job means you will also be asked to carry out other duties in and around the Reindeer Centre such as general cleaning and maintenance. You will also spend a lot of time assisting the Reindeer Herders with their guided tours so being able and willing to chat to our lovely visitors is essential - don't worry you don't need prior knowledge of reindeer - it's amazing how much you'll pick up!

Photo of one of our wonderful volunteers, Emm, with Feta!