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The village emerged on the southeastern county border in the Highlands of Scotland. When Romans arrived in the first century, they reported a people having brave, tall, redheaded men who fought with swords and shields. St. Ninian arrived in Helmsdale in 390 AD, bringing the gospel message to the native people.
By 580 AD, the people worshipped under the parish of St. Donan. The citizens and their faith came under attack with the invasion of the Vikings in the 9th century. A great battle occurred in Helmsdale between two mighty Norse chieftains, Olvir and Swein. Defeated, Olvir and his men retreated to their ships while the armies of Swein pillaged and burned many villages in Sutherland.
Some Vikings remained in the area, intermingling with the native people. The culture evolved into a family of clans, each led by an appointed chieftain. The chieftain served as a judicial, military and political protector over the members of the clan. Clans often fought each other for the right to dominate land or acquire material possessions. Greed and jealousy sometimes pit members within a clan against each other. The dominant Lord of the land constructed a castle in Helmsdale in the 1460s.
In 1567, Isobel Sinclair plotted in attempts at making her son the Earl of Sutherland. She invited the Earl and his family to dinner and offered them poisoned wine. The plan backfired. Though the Earl and his wife drank the wine, so did Isobel’s son.
Grain mills emerged during this time. Artisans created millstones from massive porphyritic rocks. Men crafted large, open boats measuring 14 feet (4.2 metres) in length. Women created fishing nets using needles made from bone. Clay floored homes contained modest furnishings of a table, stools and a bed. The people made candles from tallow and used iron saucers filled with fish oil for lamps.
Homes consisted of a stonewall measuring around three feet (0.9 metres) in height. Upon the stone villagers piled layers of turf, raising the height of the walls. Roofs consisted of thatched heather or birch branches covered with turf. During the 1700s, Helmsdale had only a few cottages constructed at the mouth of the river. The village also had fish boiling and pickling facilities.
The population rose dramatically in Helmsdale as a resettlement area for evicted tenants during the Highland Clearance era. The influx of new citizens also increased the fishing fleet, which at one time was one of the largest herring fleets in Europe. The discovery of a gold nugget in 1818 created a gold rush in Helmsdale, which lasted through 1869.
During World War II, the Royal Air Force developed radar stations around Helmsdale.
Activities and Attractions
The scenic harbour and lush green hillsides provide numerous locations for exploring. Visitors have the option of angling in local waters or trying the centuries old tradition of panning for gold. The rock beds are also a favourite location for finding Jurassic era fossils. Many hunt for gemstones along the shore. Besides the ever-abundant salmon, the waters teem with crab and lobster.
See herds of deer roaming the hills in the summertime, while skiers and snowboarders enjoy the snow covered hills in the winter.
The Timespan Museum and Arts Centre offers visitors the opportunity of learning about the story of the area. The museum features archaeological discoveries left behind by ancient civilizations. Exhibits display interesting fossils, rocks and minerals, along with tales from the gold rush days. Learn about the fishing industry and explore the rooms of a typical farmhouse. See an authentic blacksmith’s forge and the remedies available at the chemist’s shop. The facility also exhibits artwork created by local artists. Other works includes those created by visiting artists inspired by Helmsdale’s beautiful surroundings. During the warmer months, the museum has outdoor herb and geological gardens. The site also features a café and gift shop.
Places to Stay and Dining
Visitors desiring exquisite views of the sea often choose Helmsdale hotels located off the coastal main road. These facilities lay within minutes from various shoreline activities. Many venues have spacious enclosed beer gardens where adults enjoy a meal or beverage and children have a safe place to play.
The Belgrave Arms Restaurant features a variety of lunch meals designed to eat in-house or take on the run. Have a traditional steak, onion and mushroom pie or try the same ingredients in a pannini. Enjoy fish and chips with a side salad or homemade chilli on a bed of tortilla chips.
Accommodation in Helmsdale
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