Herding support for the new look Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is hoping to herd up as much support as possible to help with the exciting redevelopment of its home that the attraction has embarked upon.

The new buildings taking shape at Glenmore will incorporate a four-person office, staff canteen, visitor reception, retail and exhibition area, visitor WCs, access to paddock walkway, external interpretation with display and covered area for children’s craft.

But the end product very much depends on how much money can be raised.

The team has declared: “The more we can raise, the more of our goals we’ll be able to meet”.

The centre launched a Crowdfunding campaign to help with the costs of kitting out the interior of the new building.

The appeal finishes at 10am this Saturday (June 22) and the reindeer staff are making one last push through the Strathy.

Centre spokeswoman Hen Robinson said: “2024 is a big year for us here at the Cairngorm Reindeer.

“For over 70 years, our herd have been the only reindeer to roam freely in their natural habitat in the UK but only the fit and physically able have been able to visit them in their mountain environment.

“We want to share and bring that unique experience of the herd to those unable to walk out onto the hill, so work has begun on our new, self-funded building in Glenmore.

“Our new, fully-accessible centre will enable all abilities to visit, and we’re keen to make it as interactive an experience as possible, bringing as much of the ‘hill’ experience as possible down to the glen.

“As such, we want to enhance the new area to include immersive seasonal footage of the reindeer on the mountain, engaging information for all ages about Arctic adaptations, the impact of climate change, history of the Cairngorm Reindeer and their sense of place in the Cairngorms National Park.

“We also want to update our interpretation boards to take visitors on a journey through the history of reindeer as a species and provide education about this amazing animal, and also to build extensive viewing areas with access for all abilities - built from recycled, hardwearing materials.”

Ms Robinson said there are are also some very special residents who can not be overlooked.

She said: “We also can’t leave our elves homeless!

“One of the most memorable features in our old exhibition which most locals will probably remember, was our ‘Elves’ house’, where children could visit the home of Santa’s elves.

“We’d love to build them a new house, perhaps with viewing windows through to see into Santa’s secret workshop too.

“For years, Santa has come to visit us every December and we’d like to build him a new homely bothy with a lovely warm stove so he can stay comfortable!”

The centre's reception, shop and office have be open as usual whilst the building work has progressed.

Tilly and Alan Smith took over the ownership and management of the Cairngorm Reindeer herd in summer 1989.

When founders Mikel Utsi and then Dr Ethel Lindgren passed away, the opportunity arose to make the unusual purchase.

The couple immediately converted part of Reindeer House into the ‘Cairngorm Reindeer Centre’.

But last year - nearly 35 years on - and Mrs Smith said the time had come for change.

For more information visit www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk/crowdfunding .

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