The source - Press and Journal. The north’s growing reindeer herd needs a helping hand during the coronavirus pandemic.

Lockdown means little to the Cairngorm reindeer herd who, between January and May, roam free through snow-capped mountains and through the Glenlivet estate.

Their numbers currently stand at 150, and many locals would recognise their furry faces from various festive events across Scotland.

Last Christmas, the reindeer even hopped on a boat to visit Northern Ireland, Orkney and Lewis. 

But their usual calendar of visits has been ripped-up due to the coronavirus pandemic and those who look after the herd are in need of support.

Fiona Smith is one of just three staff members at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre who have not been furloughed.

She is encouraging people to consider adopting one of the reindeer – whether “confident” Gloriana, “cheeky” Crowdie, or “oddball ” Galilee – to help make ends meet.

Ms Smith said: “We are unsure when we will reopen and whether there will there even be tourists around when we do.

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Source: Press and Journal, by Kirsten Robertso

On the photo: reindeer herder Elizabeth Smith  (Credit – Cairngorm Reindeer Herd)