A family-owned reindeer visitor attraction has secured its future, thanks to a Bounce Back Loan from Bank of Scotland.
The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd looks after more than 150 free-range reindeer that live and roam across the Cairngorm Mountains and on the nearby Glenlivet Estate.
The herd were introduced to the mountains in 1952 by co-founders and husband and wife duo Mikel Utsi and Dr Ethel Lindgren before being taken over by Tilly Smith and her husband Alan in 1989. Since then, a visitor centre, shop and paddock have all been added to create a popular attraction suitable for the public.
Before the outbreak of Covid-19, visitors could meet the reindeer on guided group tours, and the herd would be hired out during the festive period to businesses and attractions across the UK to kick-start Christmas celebrations.
When the restrictions around social distancing and public events were implemented by the Government, the business was forced to rethink its business model.
Thanks to a Bounce Back Loan secured with Bank of Scotland, Cairngorm Reindeer decided to focus on its Adopt a Reindeer programme so that fans of the animals could still support the business.
The £42 annual adoption fee goes towards the upkeep, feeding and veterinary care for the animals. Adopters receive a certificate and photograph of the reindeer, regular updates and once restrictions allow, visits to the herd.
The income from the adoption programme, plus the Bounce Back Loan funding, has enabled the business to continue paying for the feed and care of the herd that would normally be funded through the guided tours and Christmas activity.
Tilly Smith, director of Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, said: “In a normal December, our reindeer would be busy pulling sleighs across the UK and making Christmas magical for local communities. But because we’ve had to put a stop to these visits, a huge part of our income has been lost.
“We’ve managed to keep going and our number one priority will always be to look after our herd. Thanks to the support from Bank of Scotland, we now have the safety net of additional income to help with overheads as we continue to promote our adoption programme which is now in its 30th year.
“The support so far from the public has been overwhelming and we hope people continue to help us by adopting a reindeer while we work towards welcoming everyone back in the future.”
Scott Robertson, relationship manager at Bank of Scotland, said: “Cairngorm Reindeer Herd are a perfect example of the more unusual and seasonal businesses that will be directly impacted by the pandemic. It’s encouraging to see the firm using other revenue streams to diversify and continue trading until normal operations recommence.
“At Bank of Scotland, we’re by the side of business as we all work through this challenging time and learn to adapt to restrictions where we can. We’ve worked with the team at Cairngorm Reindeer Herd for a long time, and I’m looking forward to when we’re able to meet again in person and see the great work they do with the herd.”
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