Meet Santa's Helpers

Over the half term break, I went on a trip to Scotland with my exchange program and one of the coolest things we did while we were there was to visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre in Aviemore. If you’re an outdoorsman, an animal lover, or just looking for a fun weekend trip, definitely check this out.

The journey starts at the bottom of a hill where you are met by guides who are reindeer experts. Then begins a short hike through the woods. The paths are small and sometimes a little intimidating but the stunning views of the mountains and valleys all around more than make up for it. After crossing a beautiful stream,and walking a bit further, you finally arrive at the first reindeer enclosure. At this point the guides will go over some basic rules and then you go in!

This is a very interactive experience. The reindeer understand that when people show up, they are going to be fed, so don’t be alarmed if they start following you or coming right up onto the path with you. Once you have reach the designated spot within the enclosure, the guides start putting out the regular food. While the reindeer are away eating that, you have the chance to take a handful of different food to give them as a treat.


They say in Harry Potter that “The wand chooses the wizard,” well, in this case it is “The reindeer chooses the human.” You can try to pick a favourite and get them to come to you, but most of the time they won’t pay attention. All of the reindeer are very friendly, and since reindeer don’t have any top teeth they can't bite, so the only things you really must be mindful of are the antlers.





I went in mid-October when the leaves were just starting to change colour and it provided some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen. But as reindeer tend to be associated with winter, and especially with Christmas, this trip would also be lovely for a family with children to go on together to help get into the holiday spirit. Really though, this is a trip for everyone. You’d have to be a real Scrooge to not enjoy it!

Written by Audi Craig. Audi is an American studying in London. She is working as a Intern at FOCUS.



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