Reindeer in Harpsdale.
A Team with a Dream.

Lichen Caithness is a family business.
You could say we’re a little eccentric. But we’re good with that.

Chris
(Owner and Reindeer Herder)

Chris was always going to design cars, and to that end studied automotive design at university in Newcastle. But having met Elizabeth in 1998, he first visited Caithness with her in 2003. At a Barbeque on the shores of Loch More (now our local loch) he decided he was never going back - the magical Highlands were under his skin.

Elizabeth
(Owner and the REAL boss)

With a passion for the environment, Elizabeth’s studies were responsible for us settling here in the Highlands, a job at the Dounreay Nuclear Decommissioning facility near Thurso, the prize for all her hard work. Captivated by the landscape, and nature of Caithness, it immediately felt like home, and so what started out as a 2 year experiment, has grown into a lifelong Reindeer adventure.

Catriona
(Events Manager)

Eldest daughter of Chris and Elizabeth, Catriona, has a love of travel despite being only 17, and likes nothing more than to ‘plan’. This makes her the perfect team member for putting all of our events ideas down on paper, and for carrying out the research. A word of warning though, once she’s set on an idea, it takes a LOT to change it! Determination must be in the genes.

Caitlyn
(Catering Manager)

Our youngest daughter, Caitlyn, is the baker of the family. And if she’s not to be found in the kitchen rustling up some tasty treats, then chances are she’s with the cats, dogs, or Reindeer. A real ‘animal’ person, she didn’t bat an eyelid when her parents announced that Reindeer were moving in. Though as a teenager, she’d rather we didn’t tell her friends!

Bramble & Honey
(Security)

Eighteen years ‘BR’ (Before Reindeer) our wee Highland family was extended with our first dog. Twenty years later Chloe is no longer with us, however the centre here in Harpsdale is now home to Bramble (Border Collie - 4) and Honey (Sprollie - 6). Both LOVE the Reindeer, are as bonkers as their owners, and have a formidable bark. (You might hear them!)

The Boys
(Reindeer Celebrities)

Sven, Levvi & Mr Antlers arrived here in Harpsdale in 2023. The ‘stars of the show’ were originally brought here just for us, but with so much interest and love from you guys, we saw an opportunity to share our knowledge, and before we knew it they featured in the local and national press, including ‘The Telegraph’, ‘Scotland Magazine’ and on ‘MFR’.