Helmsdale is steeped in history and industry. Helmsdale fishing port at the mouth of the River Helmsdale, was, during the 19th Century, one of the most important herring ports in Scotland bringing prosperity to the town. The perfect place for fishing enthusiasts, history buffs and outdoor adventurers, explore at your own pace and discover the wonders of Helmsdale.
Historic Helmsdale, however, has been a key location in the Highlands for industry, trade and exploration since the Viking Age. Norse settlers called the strath Hjalmundal, meaning Dale of the Helmet, from which the modern village name Helmsdale is derived.
Community, industry and heritage
The modern village was planned in 1814 to resettle families after the devastating Clearances. Overlooking the village, a monument commemorating the families from the Highlands and Islands who were forced to seek a new life on other continents was unveiled on 23 July 2007. The work of sculptor Gerald Laing, it commemorates the period in the 1800’s when so many families were cleared from the area. To the North of Helmsdale is Badbea clearance village where the devastating toll of this era can be seen.
To tell the story of earlier times, the Timespan Heritage Centre uses an award-winning combination of life-size displays and audio-visual exhibits. Today, Helmsdale is synonymous with salmon fishing. The river itself is popular with fishermen but fish were not the only source of wealth and industry in Helmsdale.
From Helmsdale, a short drive up the Strath of Kildonan will take you to Baille an Or and Suisgill - sites of the 'great Sutherland gold rush' of 1869. The first finds were by Robert Gilchrist, a local man who returned home after 17 years in the Australian gold fields. His success brought others rushing to Kildonan and soon there was a shanty town of hundreds of prospectors. Within a year the gold rush was over, but small amounts are still found today.
Local events such as the Helmsdale Highland Games are held every year for locals and visitors to enjoy. The iconic bridge built by Thomas Telford in 1811 is a favourite backdrop for photos as the rubble arches frame a magnificent backdrop.
Helmsdale also offers charming local shops and café’s and is the best place in Scotland to collect Jurassic fossils! Helmsdale is the best place to collect Jurassic fossils in Scotland. The area is rich in reptile remains, giant corals, fish remains and the occasional ammonite. The collection at Timespan Heritage sheds more light on Helmsdale’s interesting geology.
