meeting the reindeer of the Cairngorms

In the heart of Scotland, the snow-capped Cairngorms hold a secret. Discreet inhabitants who had disappeared from these landscapes for more than 1,000 years. 150 reindeer live there in semi-freedom. To find them every morning, Lotti Papastavrou-Brooks crosses a steep, magical forest. In the middle of some 4,000 hectares where the animals are scattered, it is not always easy for this reindeer herder to spot them in winter. “They're very well camouflaged, they change their coat in winter and summer, so right now it's hard to see them when they're in the snow.”she explains.

These mountains are the only place in Scotland where reindeer can live and find everything they need to eat, even in the snow. However, the species had disappeared from this ecosystem for hundreds of years due to overhunting. Until a Swedish reindeer herder decided to reintroduce it 72 years ago. Since then, visitors can also mingle with the herd. As Christmas approaches, the keepers become guides, ensuring that tourists and locals alike can catch a glimpse of Santa's reindeer before the big day.

Watch the full report in the video above.