Set within the stunning backdrop of the Cairngorm mountain range in Aviemore, Scotland, is a little sanctuary for the most stunning and impressive of animals.
Well, little is probably not the right word, since the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre spans more than 1,200 acres of hilly terrain and paddocks.
It’s where Lotti Papastavrou Brooks, 23, both lives and works, after falling in love with reindeer when she was just a teenager.
‘I was 14 when I volunteered at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre for the first time,’ she explains. ‘My dad was a friend of the woman who runs the place, and I spent my summers during high school lending my services to them.
‘I had such an amazing time that, when I got home to Bristol after a month, I told my parents it was where I wanted to work one day.’
And that’s exactly what she went on to do.
When Lotti graduated from university, she got a full-time position at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre as a herder, and has never looked back.
The centre itself has an amazing history.
Once upon a time, reindeer were native to Scotland, but they died out about 1,000 years ago.
There has been much climate change since then, but the unique subarctic qualities of the Cairngorms still provides a perfect home for reindeer – in fact, this is the only place left in the UK able to support such an animal.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
10 OF THE BEST Buys for CHARITY
Look great and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October
How to HAGGLE
Save those £££s by plucking up the courage to negotiate
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Here to help
LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
Good to GLOW
Plant your bulbs now for a lovely bright start to spring
Painted VASES
Prettify empty jars and bottles with this quick craft project
Escape to OXFORD
Delve into the city's rich cultural heritage for a wonderful weekend
Sail through menopause WITHOUT WEIGHT GAIN!
Middle-aged spread may seem inevitable - but it really doesn't have to be
Woodland wonders
When you go down to the woods, you'll find a whole new world teeming with life
'We should all be dancing'
Singer and actor Toyah Willcox on overcoming adversity, ageing and Strictly Come Dancing