Helmsdale

Overview

Helmsdale, on the east coast of Sutherland, was built on gold, herrings and salmon.

Today, Helmsdale is a name synonymous with salmon fishing, but the town and its picturesque harbour originally prospered as a result of the herring boom of the 19th century. The Timespan Heritage Centre uses an award-winning combination of life-size displays and hi-tech exhibits to tell the story of the area from earliest times.

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.

Helmsdale's annual Highland Games are held in a dramatic setting overlooking the village.