History of Helmsdale Harbor
In the early 19th Century almost all of the inland settlements in the area were cleared of their inhabitants in order to make way for more profitable residents: sheep. Clearances took place right across the Highlands and Islands, but those perpetrated by the first Duke of Sutherland in this area were amongst the most notorious.
Some of those cleared were resettled in Helmsdale, as an alternative to being shipped to the colonies or to North America. The aim was to create a community able to live from both fishing and farming, and, in particular to take advantage of the herring boom then in full swing. As you look around Helmsdale's harbour today, try to imagine it as home port for up to 200 herring boats.
Helmsdale harbour is still a focus for the life of Helmsdale. There are still fishing vessels based here and visitors will still get the sense of a working harbour of a sort increasingly rare in these days of commercial tourism.
Work on a pier and breastworks for the harbour commenced in 1816, the same year as the first Fishery Officer was stationed at Helmsdale. The pier was completed two years later.
HELSMDALE HARBOUR
THE FOUNDATION STONE LAID BY THE
DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND
SPEECHES BY THE DUKE AND OTHERS
Fine weather favoured the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of Helmsdale harbour on Saturday. This was an extra inducement to people from far and near on the south coast of Sutherland to assemble and do honour to the occasion. Helmsdale has not been seen in such gala-day attire since the memorable 16th of May 1871, when the railway to that place was formally opened. On that day, as on Saturday last, the Duke of Sutherland was the chief figure on the scene; and rightly so, as the Duke's money and influence was then, as they are now, the principal motive powers in bringing about the improvements which called forth the popular rejoicings. The history of
THE NEW HARBOUR
Is familiar to our readers. If it were not so, it would be unnecessary for us to enter into it in detail. It is given in a clear and succinct form in the speech which Mr Maclean, the chairman of the Harbour Trust, delivered when introducing the interesting proceedings of Saturday last. We may state in a sentence or two that the chief features of the harbour, as shown on the plans prepared by Mr Barron C.E. are a breakwater on the south side of the river, extending 750 feet seaward, and a new pier on the north side going south and leaving an entrance of 150 feet between it and the breakwater. The existing quay is to be continued for a distance of 600 feet seawards in the direction of the north pier, leaving an entrance at the end to the two basins. The area of the two basins, including the river, is to be deepened from four to seven feet, and will give at low water of spring tides an average depth of 5 feet, and 15 feet at high water. Dredging has been carried on for some time with a Priestman hopper dredger, with the result that the depth of water on the bar has been increased from three to four feet. Operations are being carried on under Mr Barron's superintendence, with Mr Andrew Gray as foreman of works.
When the idea of constructing a new harbour had taken shape, the Duke of Sutherland generously made a present to the community of the existing harbour works, the value of which is estimated at £8000. A local committee was formed, and had plans prepared by Mr Barron, which were approved of by the Board of Trade. A Provisional Order having been obtained, a body of Trustees was appointed, with Mr JJ Hill, banker, as secretary. Afterwards an application was made for a loan to the Public Works Board, and sanction was given for an advance of £14,000, the first instalment of which is expected shortly. Following out his liberal policy with regard to the scheme, the Duke of Sutherland advanced £2,000 to purchase a dredger, which, as stated above, has already done useful work. A considerable portion of the south breakwater has been completed, and the whole of the works are expected to be finished in December 1894.
PREPARING FOR THE INAUGURAL CEREMONY
The Harbour Trustees resolved to ask the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland to lay the foundation stone of the works; and the Duke replied that the Duchess would be glad to do so on the 20th of August. Preparations were then made in the way of decoration and otherwise with the view of having the ceremony carried out in a fitting manner. A conspicuous feature was a triumphal arch, which was erected at the south entrance to the bridge. The arch was designed by Mr Barron, and the details were carried out under the superintendence of Mr Kidd, Golspie. The structure was fifteen feet wide between the abutments, and there was a tower at each side rising to a height of twenty-five feet and surmounted with flagstaffs carrying the Union Jack. The pilasters at each side were panelled with heather in bloom, and the margins with evergreens, chiefly bay and holly, and surmounted with bannerettes and shields. Over the roadway, facing the arrival, was the word "Welcome" and on the side of departure the invitation was emblazoned "Will ye no come back again ?"
There was a large display of flags in the town and also in the harbour. Flags waved from the old Castle and the Castlehill, and Dunrobin Street was festooned at a number of points with banners. There was a fine display at Mr Ross's Commercial Hotel, where the windows were also draped with crimson cloth. Mr Paterson, postmaster, Mr Rutherford, Mr Donald Little, Mr Alex. Fraser and Mr Macaulay made effective displays; and Miss Eleanor Campbell exhibited no fewer than five "Welcomes" flanked by clusters of white roses. Miss Fraser's Belgrave Arms Hotel was tastefully decorated, and among others who hoisted flags were Mr A Mackay, Mr John Mackay, Mrs Paul Gordon, Mr M Macpherson, Mrs Gordon, Mrs John Sutherland, Mr W Macleod, Mr Polson, Mr Hugh Mackenzie, Mr A Gordon, Mr John Mackay, fisherman, and Mr Sutherland, flesher. Mr Hill's bank office, and the Volunteer Drill Hall also displayed a number of flags. Shore Street, along which the procession was to pass after leaving Dunrobin Street, showed well. Among those who contributed to the gay appearance of the street were Mr John Findlay, Mr Owen Shanlin, Mrs Mill, Mr Donald Sutherland, Mr John Mckenzie, and Mr Charles Dunn, HM Customs. Others are not less deserving of credit although we are unable to record their names.
Having got to the end of Shore Street, we may take a look at the site prepared for the foundation stone. We find it at the land end of the north pier; and there is the "stone" itself, consisting of a two ton concrete block. Observe the bed where it is to rest, and the cavity in which is to be placed the glass jar and its miscellaneous assortment of contents, which will be catalogued in due time. Here is a spacious platform erected to a level with the base of the foundation stone, surrounded by a rail and lined with scarlet cloth. At the entrance to the crimson-carpeted steps leading down to the platform, there is a handsome portico draped with banners, and ornamented with evergreens and shields. We note with satisfaction that special arrangements are made for the convenience of the reporters, who are walking up and down and to and fro in the place in such numbers as to indicate that history is being made today in Helmsdale.
THE DUKE AND DUCHESS ARRIVE
Shortly before two o'clock, the Duke's saloon carriage, with the Duke on the engine, hove in sight and drew up at the station. Their Graces were received by Mr Maclean and other members of the Harbour Trust, and the Duchess was conducted to a picturesquely decorated carriage which was to be drawn by a team of fishermen. There was no unyoking of horses, for there were no horses to unyoke. Our reporter foolishly forgot to get a description from some lady onlooker of the dress which the Duchess wore; and with much hesitation he ventures on his own doubtful authority to say that it was blue satin brocade, with hat and feather to match. The Duke was in a light-coloured coat and knickerbockers of Sutherland tartan. Accompanying the Duke and Duchess from Dunrobin were Sir Henry and Lady Green, Sheriff Mackenzie and Mrs Mackenzie, Mr Walter Mitchell, Captain Holder and Dr Worthington. On entering the carriage outside the station, the Duke and Duchess were cheered. Along with their Graces in the carriage were Lady Green and Mrs Sheriff Mackenzie. The Artillery Volunteers, under command of Major Hill, were in attendance as a guard of honour. A large number of fishermen and others were present, and the fishermen were marshalled in procession by Sergeant-Major Port. Appropriate music was played by the Dornoch Town band, led by Sergeant James Gunn. The roadway and streets were lined with many spectators, who fell in with the procession, which in a short time swelled to great proportions.
On reaching the arch at the bridge, Miss Donnie Couper, daughter of Mr Sinclair Couper, presented the Duchess with a beautiful floral bouquet; and another fine bouquet was subsequently handed to her Grace by Miss Matheson, daughter of Mr John S Matheson.
THE CEREMONY BEGINS - A HISTORICAL SURVEY
On reaching the platform where the stone was to be laid, the Duke and Duchess were cheered by the crowd. In the enclosure or near to it, besides the Duke and Duchess, were Sir Henry and Lady Green, Mr Walter Mitchell, Mr Maclean, chairman of the Harbour Trust, and his brother Trustees, Sheriff and Mrs Mackenzie, Mr Barron CE and Mrs Barron; Mr Macfarlane, Torrish; Mr Hill, Navidale; Major Hill; Mr and Mrs JJ Hill, Mr Macaulay, the Duke's law agent; Mr Argo, county clerk; Councillor McEwen, Wick; Mr R Sinclair, harbour trustee, Wick; Dr Rutherford; Rev Mr Fraser, Helmsdale; Rev Mr Maclean, Turriff; Mr and Mrs Dudgeon, Crakaig; Mr Oliver, British Linen Bank, Edinburgh, and party; County Councillor Mackintosh, Dornoch etc.
Mr Barron was introduced to the Duchess and explained to her Grace the mysteries of the Masonic function in which she was about to engage.
Mr Maclean said that as Chairman of the Harbour Trust the honour fell to him of presiding on that occasion. His first duty was to call upon the Rev Mr Fraser to offer prayer. This Mr Fraser did with fervour and fullness of detail.
Mr Maclean then spoke as follows: The occasion of our meeting today is both interesting and important. The provision of improved harbour accommodation for the fishing boats along the northern coasts of Scotland is of vast importance to the safety of our fishermen, and the success and development of the fishing industry, and there was never a time in the history of the county when more attention was given to the subject by the Government, county and other authorities and the general public than now (applause). Already much has been done at different places, but much more is yet to be accomplished. We hear of harbours and piers being erected, or about to be erected, at various places where none existed before and no doubt local circumstances and proximity to good fishing grounds in many cases justify this; but it is, I think, of more importance that old established harbours should be improved and extended (applause). With reference to Helmsdale, most of you are aware that it is not a new place, but has for long been an important fishing port. So far back as the year 1814, two enterprising individuals of the name of Simpson erected the first fish-curing yard in Helmsdale. Previous to that there was not a single boat belonging to the place. Soon afterwards other extensive curing yards were established, and by the year 1819 a very considerable trade was being done, and a large number of small boats were engaged in the herring fishing. The first attempt at anything like a harbour was made in 1818 when a pier and breakwater to the river were erected by the then Marquis of Stafford at a cost of £1600 (applause). By 1828 the importance of the place as a fishing station had so increased that the Marchioness of Stafford and the Countess of Sutherland in that year applied for and obtained a special Act of Parliament for the repair, maintenance and government of the harbour, and there was then, and during some years afterwards, £4000 expended in improvements. The trade of the place, like all other fishing places, has been fluctuating. For instance, in the year 1864, no less than 38,037 barrels of cured herrings were exported, while in 1884 the quantity was about 6000 barrels only, the last few years rising again to about 22,000 barrels a year. The number of boats engaged has also fluctuated very much. In 1865 as many as 283 boats fished from this station. These however, were of small size compared with those used now. This season there are 114 large boats fishing from this harbour; and here, I may say, that the greatly increased size of the fishing boats has rendered it absolutely necessary, not only here but in almost every place, that there should be increased size of harbour and depth of water. (Applause). In the year 1889, the question of improvement and extension of the harbour came prominently forward. A deputation of curers, fishermen and others waited upon the Duke of Sutherland at Dunrobin to discuss the matter. His Grace instructed a survey and plan by Mr Barron, the engineer, and after this was received and considered, further interviews were held with the local people, the result of which was that the Duke and Lord Stafford in the end of 1889, believing that the harbour would be better in the hands of a public trust rather than a private individual, agreed to hand over all rights, powers and privileges to a body of trustees (applause). Not only that, but his Grace, realising the necessity of the work of deepening the harbour being commenced at once, advanced the money for the purchase of a suitable dredger, which has for now two years been doing excellent work (applause). An application to Parliament for a Provisional Order was at once made, and in 1890 the "Helmsdale Harbour Order" was obtained, this Order empowering the Trustees to make the improvements and extensions, borrow money and levy rates and dues. I may here allude to the liberal manner in which several owners of fish curing yards in the place acted. Under their building leases they were practically exempt from payment of harbour dues, but knowing that the harbour revenue with such privileges kept running could never be such as to warrant large expenditure and meet payments of principal and interest on loans, they voluntarily and in the most liberal spirit relinquished their rights under lease, so as to allow the full dues and rates to be levied on them as on others. (applause). In January 1891, an application was made to the Public Works Loan Commissioners for a loan, and after very lengthened and tedious negotiations, they agreed to advance £14,000 for the harbour works. In order to obtain this loan, however, the Trustees, or most of them, had to give personal security in addition to the ordinary mortgage of the harbour revenue. They did this, however, with the utmost confidence in the success of the undertaking, firmly believing that the completion of the works will result in a very considerable increase in trade, and that the advantages to Helmsdale and the whole district will be great and lasting (applause). The work of improving has been going on for some time by dredging, as already indicated; and, as you will see on the other side, some progress has been made with the breakwater, but the proper harbour extension only begins today by the laying of the foundation stone, which the Duchess of Sutherland has kindly consented to do. Into that stone will be placed this bottle, which contains copies of the Northern Ensign, The John O'Groats Journal, The Inverness Courier, The Northern Chronicle, The Scotsman, and The Glasgow Herald, along with a copy of the Harbour Act and other documents, and the current coins of the realm. I am sure we all wish joy and happiness to whoever may in some future age discover this hidden treasure (Laughter and loud applause),
THE STONE IS WELL AND TRULY LAID
Mr Barron, in response to the chairman's request, stepped forward and presented the Duchess with a silver trowel. Mr Barron said - On behalf of the Helmsdale Harbour Trustees, I have been asked to present your Grace with this trowel to lay the foundation of the harbour (applause).
Duchess of Sutherland laying foundation stone
H'dale Harb'r. 20.8.92
So far as we can tell it's actually the laying of the foundation stone of the East Quay
Photo suplied by:
Mr. and Mrs. Fraser, The Grove, Helmsdale.
The trowel bears the following inscription: "Presented to her Grace the Duchess of Sutherland by the Helmsdale Harbour Trustees on the occasion of her laying the foundation stone of the Helmsdale Harbour. 20th August 1892"
The trowel, which was accepted with pleasure by the Duchess, was enclosed in a beautiful morocco case, lined with crimson satin.
The function of the day was then proceeded with in business-like style. The bottle with the many and varied contents was deposited in the cavity prepared for it; and the mortar having been spread, the massive stone was lowered into its place. The Duchess applied first the square and then the level; and having given the stone the requisite number of scientific taps with the mallet in order to leave no doubt as to its proper adjustment, her Grace said "I declare this stone to be well and truly laid". This announcement was hailed with prolonged cheering.
Mr John Gunn of Aldie, addressing the Duchess, said: My Lady Duchess, it gives me great pleasure to convey the thanks of the Harbour Trustees to your Grace for the kind interest you have taken in matters relating to the welfare of the fishermen of Helmsdale, and particularly for performing so gracefully the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of a work which we trust will add to the social and material wellbeing of the people. Please, therefore, accept our best thanks on this occasion (Loud applause).
THE DUKE REPLIES, AND HAS A SHY AT THE LAND LEAGUE AND HOME RULE.
The Duke of Sutherland said - It is a source of great satisfaction to the Duchess and myself to be able today to see this remarkable assembly, and to see Helmsdale, I may say, looking beautiful. (applause). Twenty-two years ago we opened the railway. Many of you can remember the excitement it caused the inhabitants when the Princess Christian arrived on my engine and planted the tree that is to be seen to this day, and which I hope will long flourish. And now we are assembled to inaugurate the commencement of the new harbour (applause) and when Mr Barron gets it nearer completion, I have no doubt it will add immensely to the prosperity of Helmsdale and of the fishermen from all parts of Scotland (applause). What I trust and hope is that it may add to the activity of the people, and that more boats will be kept at sea for long periods. (Hear, hear). It always seems such a misfortune that all the fine boats should be laid up for so many months when they might be catching fish and providing food for the people. (Cheers). You are aware that harbours are also going to be built on the north coast. Mr Barron is quite ready to enter into that scheme, and I hope money will soon be available, so that the work may be begun (applause). I was in hopes that the late Government would make the proposed railway from Lairg to Lochinver, which would be of immense benefit to the west coast people, but they have not done so; but now that you have got the Government you wished for, and your member is re-elected, we shall see what they will do, and if Mr Sutherland and the Land Leaguers are of any use. (Laughter and applause). When we consider what has been spent in Ireland for the benefit of the people, it makes one's blood boil with indignation when one sees how little has been done for Scotland. And why ? Because, with some exceptions, we are a God-fearing and quiet people, and obey the law. We don't cut off cow's tails, and murder innocent women and children. If we did that, more attention would be paid to us (Laughter). When I talk in this way of Ireland, of course I do not include the Protestants of the north - as good a people as exists - (applause) - a people whom the Government proposes to put under the blood -thirsty tyranny of the Roman Catholics - (a voice "Never!") - a thing not to be thought of, and which I believe no true Scotchman would for a moment sanction. (Applause). And now, my friends, thanking you once more for your hearty reception, I wish you well and hope we shall soon meet again to celebrate the opening of the new harbour (Loud cheers). Now (added the Duke) we are to be photographed.
The party then faced round to seaward, and were photographed by Mr Johnston, Wick. Rain began to fall at this juncture; and a general adjournment was made to the Drill Hall where a cake and wine
BANQUET
Was provided. The attendance was so large as to tax the capacity of the handsome and commodious hall. Mr Maclean presided, and had the Duke and Duchess at his right. The band was present and played appropriate airs at the end of each toast. Grace having been said by the Rev Mr Fraser.
The Chairman gave the usual loyal toasts, which were duly honoured. In reference to the Duke's allusion to the presence of the Princess Christian at opening of the railway, Mr Maclean expressed a hope that when the time came, the opening of the harbour would also be honoured by the presence of a member of the royal family. (Loud cheers).
The Rev Mr Fraser proposed "The Duke and Duchess of Sutherland" and long life and prosperity and health and happiness to them. (Loud applause). He was sure that they would all heartily unite in lifting up this wish not only before men, but before God. (Hear, hear) Mr Fraser spoke of the hearty manner in which the Duke responded to the wishes of the people of Helmsdale with regard to a harbour, as expressed by the deputation which waited upon him at Dunrobin. The Duke makes no sham appearance - (cheers) - and his subsequent actions showed the reality of the sentiments which he expressed to the deputation. He had in the handsomest manner handed over his rights in the old harbour, he had enabled them to get a dredger, and but for him they would not have got the loan of £14,000 (applause). For these things they were under great obligations to the Duke, as well as to the Duchess for so gracefully laying the foundation stone of the harbour that day (applause). Through his Grace's instrumentality, Helmsdale was being made quite another place, and fishermen from other districts would more than ever makes it a resort (applause). Nor was the Duke's kindness to Helmsdale exceptional. It was experienced throughout his wide-extending property; and yet there were those who sought to traduce his Grace's management of his property. Mr Fraser made mention of the fact that the Duke's celebrated ancestor, the Earl of Sutherland, was the first to sign Scotland's National Covenants, by which Scotland became a nation whose God is the Lord, and which have been a blessing to Scotland ever since (applause). The rev. gentleman read extracts from evidence given by Mr Greig before Lord Napier's commission and from other documents, showing that the Duke had spent the vast sum of £524,750 in reclamations, roads and other improvements, and of this sum, £449,190 had been paid in wages to labourers (loud cheers). What other proprietor had done anything approaching this improving the land and benefiting his people ?(cheers).
It was a great pity that people who traduced his Grace's management of his property should be so foolish and unjust in what they said. He hoped that their eyes would be opened, and that they would show more loyalty towards their great chief, and have that esteem for him apart from which they could expect no real social happiness and prosperity. Their conduct reminded him of what the Scripture said "And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another and everyone by his neighbour; the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable" (hear, hear). Proceeding, Mr Fraser said, that they would pledge the Duchess as heartily in the toast as they did the Duke (cheers). All who came in contact with her Grace admired her simplicity, her unaffected ness, and her thorough good sense. (cheers). He need not refer to her Grace's other excellencies, but would only say that she had that day shown her goodwill towards them by laying the foundation stone of the harbour, and she had given evidence that she countenanced and encouraged the Duke in promoting the welfare of his people (applause). The Duke himself had, at a farmers' meeting at Golspie, made grateful mention of her Grace's tender care in bringing him through a severe and dangerous illness. (At this point the audience rose to their feet and drank to the health of the Duke and Duchess, amid great cheering).
FISHERMEN'S ADDRESS TO THE DUKE
The Rev Mr Fraser then presented to the Duke the following address, signed by twenty skippers of fishing boats:
"We the undersigned, as representing the fishermen of Helmsdale and surrounding district, as well as fishermen from other counties, are deeply sensible of the great benefit conferred on us by the steps taken for the provision of a more commodious harbour at Helmsdale, which will ensure greater safety to our lives and property and provide increased facilities for the successful prosecution of our calling. We take this opportunity of conveying to your Grace our deep and heartfelt thanks for the generous manner in which you have acted towards us with respect to the harbour and other matters, and we assure your Grace that we are in every way thoroughly satisfied with the plans of the harbour improvements now in progress, believing that they are admirably adapted for the requirements of the place; and we further strongly approve of the vigilant manner in which the majority of the trustees have urged on the matter in face of needless opposition"
Signed by
PETER COWIE, Helsmdale; WILLIAM DOUGLAS, Helmsdale
ANGUS BREMNER, Wick ALEX McRAE, Brora
JOHN MACKAY, Inver JOHN MACKAY, Helmsdale
HUGH SUTHERLAND, Helmsdale A BARRON, Nairn
GEORGE INNES, Helmsdale JOHN MACKAY, Wick
JOHN MACLEOD, Stornoway ALEX FRASER, Embo
ALEX MAIN, Helmsdale JOHN SUTHERLAND, Helmsdale
HUGH SUTHERLAND, Helsmdale HUGH McANGUS, Helmsdale
WILLIAM McANGUS, Helmsdale JOHN MACKAY (1), Helmsdale
ANDREW SUTHERLAND, Golspie JOHN MACKAY (2), Helmsdale
The address is a beautiful work of art. It is illuminated on vellum, and on the margin there are hand-painted devices of boats and other objects relating to sea fishing.
The Duke, on rising to reply, was received with much cheering. He said, in reference to Mr Fraser's remarks regarding improvements, that it was quite true that he had frittered away a lot of money; but he hoped a good deal of it would benefit the county and its inhabitants. (Applause). On the part of the Duchess, he had to say how much pleased she had been with her reception that day, and what gratification it had given her to see so many loyal people surrounding her (cheers). Three generations, his grandfather, his father and himself, had spent a lot of money in the county for the good of the county; and he believed this latest improvement would be of great benefit to the fishermen and town of Helmsdale (applause). Mr Barron was quite up in the work; and he was glad that there was such approval by the fishermen of the plan that was to be carried out. (Applause). At the first two or three meetings some gentlemen tried to kick up a row, but he did not think they did much harm (laughter and applause). The Duke concluded by reminding them that there was to be a great show of woollen things at Golspie on the 26th and 27th of August, and he hoped many of them would go to see it with their pockets full of money in order to purchase garments (applause). He had nothing more to add than to give them his own and the Duchess's very best thanks and cordial good wishes (Loud applause and "He's a jolly good fellow").
Major Hill, in a neat speech, proposed "Success to the Harbour" (applause) The scheme had caught on from the first, and the energy and determination of the Trustees were cordially appreciated by the public. He eulogised the bravery and endurance of the fishermen, and said one of the great objects of the new harbour was to lessen the risks to lives and property of these brave men, and also to lessen their toils, and to secure for them shorter hours of labour (applause). Major Hill coupled with the toast the name of Mr Gunn of Aldie (applause).
Mr Gunn, in replying, said Mr Chairman, your Graces, ladies and gentlemen, being a native of this parish and being more or less connected with the harbour since my school days, it gives me great pleasure to reply to the toast of "Success to the harbour". Helmsdale Harbour was at one time considered to be sufficient for its purpose, but now things are changed. Larger boats and vessels are now used, and deeper water is required to enable us to keep abreast with the times. Seeing that the harbour was quite inadequate for the trade of the place, and that something was required to be done, the people of Helmsdale approached his Grace the Duke of Sutherland (applause) and he has responded to their request in his usual generous manner. In addition to making a present of the harbour to the Trustees, he generously and in the most handsome manner advanced the necessary means to purchase a dredger, in order that the shallow bar which the fishermen have had to contend with in time past should be removed and improved by deepening. The policy which his Grace inaugurated in supplying the Trustees with a dredger has already borne fruit in this respect that boats can now cross the bar with their cargoes within an hour of low water. (Applause) All of us engaged in the staple industry of Helmsdale can appreciate the change. I hope the day is not far distant when the works now in progress will be successfully completed to the satisfaction of all concerned, and that they will prove to be advantageous to the community of Helsmdale and to the prosperity of the county. (Applause) I beg to thank you for coupling my name with this toast.
The Rev Mr Maclean, Turriff, proposed "The Town and Trades of Helmsdale" and he thought it not inappropriate that as the delegate of the Church of Scotland to the fishermen he should on that occasion speak on their behalf. He hoped the new harbour would enable them to become more prosperous, and that through it they would regain their former large export trade. They ought to be in exceedingly prosperous condition, for they had gold in their hills (great cheering) - coals in their valleys, and salmon in their rivers, and if they were not prosperous there must be something wrong in their brains and muscles (laughter and applause). He coupled with the toast the name of Mr James Paterson (applause).
Mr Paterson, in replying, said - My Lord Duke, your Grace, ladies and gentlemen, I have much pleasure in responding to the toast of the town and trade of Helmsdale, although I wish it had been put in better hands. The prosperity of our town and trade is a matter in which everybody residing in the place is deeply interested, as there are very few among us who are not under the necessity of making daily exertions for their means of subsistence. When I look back to the time when I first came to Helmsdale, some 37 years ago, I find several notable changes in the mode of conducting business and the facilities for doing so. Communication with other places was then slow, difficult and expensive, and trade was hampered thereby; but by and by, thanks to the munificence and public spiritedness of our noble Duke of Sutherland (applause) the railway was brought to our doors, and then the telegraph system of the kingdom, stretching its mighty force our length, bound us up in the network of wires which now almost unites the whole world. I distinctly remember the jubilation in one of the Wick newspapers, when the wire reached them, over the fact that a vessel had been chartered for a cargo in three hours, what used to occupy as many days to effect. But while communication by land had thus been opened up and facilitated, communication by sea remained as it was, constricted by want of good harbours. In a conversation some years ago with an official in the service of His Grace, in which I was trying to show the urgency and necessity of improving our harbour, I got an answer which rather staggered me. I was in a manner and for a little while shut up. He said that the Duke had made a railway to Helmsdale, and could hardly be expected to make a harbour, which would be a rival to and damage the revenue of the railway. I replied that that view of the matter was hardly in accordance with the policy evinced all his life by the Duke for the development of his estate and the well-being of his tenants (applause) and I think that his presence here today and the part which he and her Grace the Duchess have taken in the day's proceedings shows that I was right (honoured applause). I have seen the boats come to the bay laden with fish which they wished to sell, and people on the quay anxious to buy them, but they could not approach each other for want of a harbour which the Boats could get into safely. If these fish had been landed, they would have been all sent to the markets by rail, so that an improved harbour is certain to be a feeder and source of revenue to the railway. (Applause) I trust, however, that this state of things will soon be remedied, and with God's blessing on the undertaking, that the trade of the places will receive an impetus which will redound to the advantage of all concerned in it (applause).
The Chairman proposed with much pleasure "The health of the engineer" (applause). He had been associated with Mr Barron from the first of this project, and no one could discharge his duties in a more business-like and professional way. He believed that the harbour plans were in every way suitable to the place and that this would be found to be the case in after years (applause).
Mr Barron replied, and said no effort would be spared on his part to make Helmsdale what they all wanted it to be (applause).
Mr JJ Hill, in proposing "The Strangers", said- I have much pleasure in proposing the toast that stands in my name, and in doing so, I desire to thank the strangers and those visitors who are not strangers for their presence today with us holding high holiday (applause). Many of them, no doubt, have taken this opportunity of inspecting the chief industry of this place, now in full operation, and have endeavoured to realise what a boon it will be to the community when the increased facilities for the ingathering of the harvest of the sea are completed, and which the new harbour will undoubtedly supply (applause). We have had some trouble in connection with getting this harbour, but our difficulties are now over, and we feel assured that the foundations of the future prosperity of the place are as safely laid as the foundation of the harbour which has been laid today by Her Grace with so much rejoicing (applause).
Sir Henry Green, with whose name Mr Hill coupled the toast, briefly replied.
Mr Campbell, inspector of the poor, proposed the health of the chairman (applause). Mr Maclean, he said, had with courtesy, tact, wisdom and ability presided over all the meetings which had led up to the happy consummation at which they had now arrived (applause).
The Chairman, in acknowledging, said that he had had some little difficulty in occupying his present position in consequence of his close association with the Duke, but as Chairman of the Harbour Trust, he felt in duty bound to make this occasion a success. (Applause) He had presided with much pleasure over the meetings of the Harbour Trust since it was formed, and no project with which he was ever connected had received more careful thought than the Helmsdale Harbour project. (Applause) Difficulties had now and again cropped up, but he had learned from experience that difficulties existed only as things to be overcome. (Applause). He hoped all the difficulties in connection with Helmsdale Harbour had been overcome, and that they were now in a fair way to the completion of the scheme to the benefit of the whole district (applause).
The proceedings terminated with the playing of the National Anthem by the band. The ducal party left for Dunrobin shortly after four o'clock. The banquet was excellently purveyed by Mr Ross of the Commercial Hotel, under the efficient management of Mrs Macdonald. The workmen were entertained to supper in the evening by the Harbour Trustees. :
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