‘Magical experience’ as Thurso care home residents visit reindeer centre
A trip to a reindeer centre in the run-up to Christmas proved to be a “magical experience” for a group of residents and staff from a Thurso care home.
Lichen Caithness, near Halkirk, is home to Sven, Levvi and Mr Antlers, billed as the UK’s most northerly reindeer.
The residents from Pentland View care home were accompanied by staff members Jeanine Sinclair and Lachlan Mackillop.
The visit began with a talk in the centre’s festively decorated hut, where the group learned about the history and development of reindeer. They proceeded to the field for a reindeer herder experience which included feeding the animals.
To round off the session, the residents returned to the warmth of the hut for hot chocolates and hot dogs. The ladies in the group made reindeer ornament keepsakes with real reindeer fur from Mr Antlers.
Jeanine, activities coordinator at Pentland View, said: “It was a lovely and magical experience. We learned so much about reindeer.
“It’s so nice to see the residents getting out and about, enjoying local attractions. We really appreciate Lichen Caithness opening especially for us.”
Resident Isabella Trueman was delighted to meet the reindeer, saying: “They were lovely beasties.”
Pentland View is run by Barchester Healthcare. The home provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 47 residents, from respite to long-term stays.
