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Old stories from Helmsdale
© The Northern Times

The annual assembly given by the officers of the Helmsdale Artillery Company
January 23, 1902
The annual assembly given by the officers of the Helmsdale Artillery Company was held last Friday night in the Drill Hall, which was gaily decorated for the occasion.
The night was fine and this, together with the ever increasing popularity of the event, accounts for the large number of ladies and gentlemen present, no less than 150 ladies and gentlemen being in the hall.
The assembly was opened at 9 o’clock by a grand march, which was a brilliant spectacle to which the beautiful dresses of the ladies and the uniforms of the officers and men added a unique lustre. Excellent music was alternately supplied by a trio of pipers and a trio of violinists who discoursed music of a very superior sort.
Great credit is due to Miss Marjory Sutherland, Proncy House, for the excellent manner in which she acquitted herself at the piano in playing the accompaniments to the violins, which was deservedly recognised by the assembly in the heartiness with which they accorded to her and to the other musicians a well merited vote of thanks.
Dancing was kept up with great enthusiasm till five o’clock in the morning, with intervals for refreshments which were unstintedly supplied during the night.
 
Helmsdale – The School Board of Kildonan
April 17, 1902
The School Board of Kildonan have resolved to give an entertainment to all the school children in the parish in celebration of the coronation of the King, and also to present medals to them as a memento of the occasion.
The clerk of the Board, Mr Argo, solicitor, Golspie, was asked to invite subscriptions for this purpose and from the following list of subscription received by him we are glad to notice that the shooting and angling tenants take an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the parish: F G Nutting, Kilpfoder £5-0-0; J B F Taylor, Salscraggie £5-0-0: L Hirsch, Suisgill £3-3-0; Miss Radcliffe, Kildonan £2-2-0; F Sykes, Borroboll £2-2-0; E Pilkington, Borroboll £2-0-0; John McLeod, ex-MP £0-10-6.
 
The funeral of Brother John McDonald, cooper,
May 29, 1902
The funeral of Brother John McDonald, cooper, West Helmsdale, took place at St John’s burying ground, Helmsdale, on Saturday 24th inst. There is no lodge at Helmsdale, but notwithstanding that, all the Freemasons in the district turned out in regalia and took part in the last rites as brother masons. Being the first masonic funeral ever held at Helmsdale the function was followed with great interest by the general public.
Brother McDonald was initiated in the Saltoun Lodge, Rosehearty, a number of years ago but living in a district where there was no lodge lost touch with his mother lodge, but lost none of the interest in Freemasonry, and was always very anxious that a lodge should be formed at Helmsdale.
After the funeral the brethren present at the funeral met and resolved that a lodge be formed and that all would do their utmost to further same. Each member present subscribed towards the fund and a good beginning was made. The provisional committee meets again shortly. Brother Shaw, HM Customs, was appointed secretary, and Brother J Fraser, chemist, treasurer.
 
The east coast summer herring fishing
September 1902
The east coast summer herring fishing has now come to a close, and while a few of the boats at the larger stations have had a fair fishing, those at the smaller ones have had very bad results. Helmsdale, the only east coast station in the county, has been practically blank.
This station for a number of years back has been falling off, until now the question crops up as to whether it should not be discontinued. The unfortunate fishermen who were working from Helmsdale are very badly off, as they now have practically to depend upon the herring fishing entirely.
Since trawling has become so common, and particularly that unmitigated nuisance the foreign trawler with his special privilege of fishing where the home trawler is excluded, the white fishing is not worth the trouble involved in its pursuit. The banks which used to abound with haddocks, whitings, &c., are now utterly destroyed by the trawler.
In fact so serious has the state of the fishing become in Helmsdale, Brora and Golspie that a number of families seriously think that there is no other course open than migration to one or other of the large ports.
 
Mr Alexander Gordon, master joiner, Helmsdale
July 2, 1903
At Dornoch Sheriff Court on Tuesday last there was not a large amount of work. … A case of refusing to vaccinate, and one of considerable interest and importance, as it is the first of the kind that has occurred in Sutherland, was brought before the Sheriff at the instance of the Kildonan Parish Council against Mr Alexander Gordon, master joiner, Helmsdale, for refusing to vaccinate his two children, aged five and four years respectively, on “conscientious grounds”.
Dr Davidson, Helmsdale, the public vaccinator, certified by letter that he called at the house several times and that on each occasion Gordon refused to allow his children to be vaccinated.
Mr Argo, solicitor, Golspie, appeared for the prosecutors and explained the circumstances, stating that if, even now, Mr Gordon would comply with the law the Council did not wish to punish him severely.
Upon entering the box and on the charge being read, the accused pleaded guilty.
The Sheriff strongly advised him to comply with the law, and said that if he would there and then give him an assurance that he would vaccinate his children, he would not inflict a severe punishment, but Mr Gordon declined to give any assurance, and the Sheriff sentenced him to pay a fine of twenty shillings in each case, and expenses of a guinea in each, amounting in all to four pounds two shillings, and intimated to Gordon that he would be much more severely dealt with when brought up again, as he assuredly would be at no distant date if he continued to defy the law.
Mr Gordon entered into a discussion, and said that perhaps he would leave the country and go to a country where conscience might be respected.
 
The herring fishing in Helmsdale
August 6, 1903
The herring fishing in Helmsdale this year, says a correspondent, is worse than ever, and the absolute closing of the port as a herring fishing centre is only a matter of time. This means a very great deal to the fishcurers and fishermen and to the public in general, but there seems to be no remedy for the imminent catastrophe – and it can be termed nothing less.
There may be a remedy if trawlers were kept further out from the shore, but, our correspondent adds, this is pure conjecture. The real reason seems to be the giving out of the fishing grounds, which were the reason of Helmsdale’s erstwhile prosperity.

 March 8, 1906
The other day a very large halibut was caught under rather peculiar circumstances. It was noticed swimming close to one of the small boats, and almost at the surface.
One of the fishermen threw a small cod to it and then caught it with a gaff. After a struggle it was got into the boat, almost swamping the little craft with its weight. It was found to weigh 2 cwts 14 lbs, and sold at 35s the cwt.
 
October 13th 1906
In Helmsdale on Friday night Mr J R D McAusland, whose singing and lessons on voice production have been drawing immense crowds of people in the north of Scotland during the summer months, appeared before an audience which must have gladdened the heart of every lover of music. It is questionable if ever there was such a representative gathering drawn together in Helmsdale, certainly not since the union of the churches.The great singer has a charm of manner and his sincerity is so apparent that he carries his audience with him from the moment he begins, and their close attention is kept up till the finish with great earnestness, although the vast majority of the audience had probably never sung a note in public before.Mr McAusland handled them with so much skill and tact that before hardly anyone was aware of what was happening, the crowd was transformed into one vast choir and everyone, old and young alike, was singing with the greatest enthusiasm.His rendering of the various pieces, including some of our most beautiful melodies, as well as difficult oratorio solos and Italian songs, will never be forgotten and will long be talked about by the people of Helmsdale.Although he sang and taught the audience the secrets of voice production for nearly two hours, so intense was the interest that time passed unheeded. On Sunday evening, when Mr McAusland again sang, and told the story of his life, a great audience, which crowded every available corner and even besieged the platform, came together.Mr McAusland's visit has done much good. Not only have musical circles been stimulated, but a kindlier feeling must prevail as a result of Mr McAusland's labours in the district.
 
Serious landslip occurred at Portgower
November 22, 1906
Following the recent heavy storm, a serious landslip occurred at Portgower, two miles south of Helmsdale, on the Highland Railway in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The first intimation of the slip was when the 1am goods train from Wick ran into the obstruction and four waggons were derailed. The engine, owing to its weight, carried itself through, but the waggons being lighter, were derailed. Squads of men were soon on the spot, from as far south as Bonarbridge, and the work of clearing the line was gone into with a will. The nature of the slip and the muddy state of ground caused the work to be very hard, and it was not until 1pm that a clearance was effected. The 6am passenger train from Helmsdale to Inverness was not run.This is the second slip that has occurred at the same place, and the wonder is that such a dangerous place was not watched after the heavy storm experienced last week-end. The other slip occurred between Ballindalloch and Knockando, on the Speyside line on the Great North Railway, where about 100 tons of material fell on the line and caused a stoppage of several hours to the traffic. It also has now been cleared.

Visit from the Fleet
July 11, 1907
We are anxious for another visit from the Fleet and people may be seen daily at the Castle glass in hand viewing the ships in the distance and wishing for another call to our bay. It is rumoured that our civic officials are “arranging” matters to “receive” the ships and give them a Helmsdale welcome.

October 3, 1907
What might have been a very serious accident, but which happily had a fortunate ending, occurred between Helmsdale and Loth on the Railway on Sunday morning.

While the 2.30am mail train from Wick was proceeding between these two stations, a male passenger fell out of one of the compartments onto the side track. A fellow passenger brought the matter to the notice of the train officials at Loth, and they proceeded back with an engine, but found no trace of the man at the point where he was supposed to have fallen out. At Helmsdale station he was found, little the worse for his fall. He had been trying to gain admittance to the hotel, but the arrival of the engine allowed him to resume his interrupted journey.

A wee mite of a boy about 2 years of age
November 7, 1907
A wee mite of a boy about 2 years of age, the son of Mr David McAngus, who is at present in Yarmouth, was very mysteriously drowned in the river on Tuesday forenoon.
The mother only just missed the child and went to look for him, but he was found latterly floating in the river quite dead. It is very sad, and the above is now the fourth member of the McAngus family drowned within the last nine months.
Death is very busy in our midst, a bright young man of 23 years – Robert Finlay – died here on Sunday, and word reached Helmsdale on Monday of the death of Dr Mitchell, son-in-law of Mr Mitchell, late of Culgower, who died and was buried at sea while on a passage to South America, where he was to take up a practice.

Helmsdale Musical Society
November 14, 1907
Under the auspices of the Helmsdale Musical Society, a concert was given last Friday evening in the Drill Hall, Helmsdale, in aid of the funds for the lighting of the village.
The platform was tastefully draped and ornamented with small tables and shaded lamps, round which were scattered plants and flowers in profusion. The chair was occupied by J J Hill, Esq., banker, and the accompaniments were efficiently played by Mrs Hill and Mrs Fraser.
The concert was opened and closed by a double quartette party composed of members of the musical society. The bulk of the solos were provided by local performers who in this occasion had the assistance of Miss M Lucy Macdonald, Inverness, and Messrs W Cromb, and J Gunn, Brora. The former who is a double gold medallist had a great reception and was enthusiastically encored both times she appeared, each time responding with a Scotch song. Mr Cromb provided the humorous element and Mr J Gunn the sentimental, and they, too, were encored on each appearance.
Though encores were frequent, the concert was carried through promptly, and the usual votes of thanks having been accorded, the hall was speedily cleared for the dance which commenced before 11pm and was carried on till about 2.30am. The programme was sustained by the following ladies and gentlemen:– Miss Donnie Couper, Miss Janet Ferguson, Mrs Fraser, Miss M Lucy Macdonald, Miss Ruperta Sutherland, Miss Bells Bruce, and Messrs J Gunn, H C Robertson, W Cromb, and others.

December 12, 1907
There passed away on Saturday, at the extraordinary age of 103 and ten months, and that after her first illness in her long life, Mrs John Matheson, Gartymore.
She had a high reputation of being a sincere Christian all her life, never once ailing or being laid aside until the end. She had many a bright and even sad story to tell of the history of the county and her country.
She had several of a family, two of whom still survive in the parish – Mr Alexander Matheson, senior elder in the UF Church, and Mrs Peter Murray, who lived with her mother.
Mrs Matheson is reputed to be the oldest person in the county of Sutherland, if not in Scotland.

Marriages at Helmsdale
January 9, 1908
If marriage is an indication of prosperity then we have a record, for within the last two weeks we have had no less than five marriages. The lassies of Helmsdale must be bonny, for the husbands came even from the Borders to take unto themselves their future mates. “Lang may their lums reek.”

The event of the year, and the second turn out at night of the Oddfellows Lodge came off last Friday evening when about 60 members paraded the streets with torch light. The march was a great success, and started in proper Lodge order from the Lodge door and marched eastwards along Dunrobin Street with pipes and drums, and in some dim recess in the east, found a goaty. We have heard plenty, lately, of masons riding the goaty in private, but the oddfellows go one better and ride theirs in the public, only the fun of it was it turned out to be a donkey. In any case, the riding of the donkey was a great amusement to the whole village, which turned out to see and welcome the annual parade of a body of men banded together for the pleasure of all, and the good of themselves.

What might have been a very serious fire in the shop of Mr H Polson, general merchant, Dunrobin Street, was averted by the action, single handed, of Mr Bowditch, harbour master, who when passing the door saw the flames rising inside the shop. Taking in the situation at a glance, Mr Bowditch rushed in and, at considerable risk, smothered the flames, which could only have been done by one who has been trained in such emergencies.

The cause of the outbreak was the upsetting of a paraffin lamp amongst very inflammable material and the fire would certainly have been swift and serious, had not Mr Bowditch grasped and acted just in the nick of time. As it was, a good many things were destroyed.

January 16, 1908
Helmsdale has ever been an example of decorum to the county, and even to Scotland, regarding the number, and how they conduct the last rites of following the dead to the grave. People have been known to come from other places to see and take away lessons in laying the dead to rest. It has never been rushed, nor has it ever been unduly delayed, it has always been a credit to the place in every way, but if such an “interment” as was the case here on Tuesday, of reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation with a very long prayer both at the house and the grave, be encouraged then the beauty and simplicity of a Helmsdale funeral very soon will be a matter of ancient history.

January 16, 1908
We note, with pleasure, the commendable enterprise of Mr McLeod, The Studio, Helmsdale, who has instituted a motor car service in the Kildonan Strath. He proposes using an Arrol Johnstone Car, a make well known in the north for its constant reliability and suitability for our North Country roads.
As an instance of the car’s reliability, it may be mentioned that it was driven from Glasgow to Helmsdale without a road stop, heavy snow being encountered on the Grampians, and exceptionally bad weather generally. It was, in fact, the first car through from so far south in 1908.
It is to be hoped that the public generally, and the gentry in the neighbourhood, will appreciate Mr McLeod’s efforts and afford him the support he so well deserves.

March 26, 1908
Mrs Egerton, Navidale Cottage, has always taken an active interest in our fishing community and, knowing the hardships they are at present coming through owing to the failure of the fishing, they very kindly arranged to give every family in connection with the sea a good substantial roast of beef.
Last week Lieut. Egerton, RN, gave every family the above, and the recipients were very grateful to the giver. At present things are in a very bad way in Helmsdale, which makes the gift doubly appreciated.

April 2, 1908
Mrs Egerton, Navidale Cottage, gave her annual tea to the children of the village last week. There were far more children than was anticipated, which somewhat curtailed the feast, a record number being present, 480 sitting down to a sumptuous table of tea, meat sandwiches, cake, and other good things.
These were greatly enjoyed by all. The children were under the care of Mr Robertson, the schoolmaster, who always takes a great interest in the welfare of his pupils, and they gave a very interesting display of songs, etc.
Mr Egerton RA was early on the scene and was very attentive to the care of the little ones, seating and forcing them to the good things at the table, and in the end thanked the children and others for their assistance.
The children look forward with great pleasure now to Mrs Egerton's treat, and always take away with them sweet memories which will last through life.

The Last of the Volunteers in Helmsdale
April 9, 1908
The 7th Coy RGA held their last meeting on 31st March as a smoking concert, and invited a few of their friends to witness how they could die game.

At 9pm, Sergt.-Major A R Macleod welcomed all in the name of the commanding officer, Capt. Shaw, who is in Canada, and trusted all would enjoy themselves, even in the prospect of death.

After the loyal and patriotic toasts had been pledged, the Rev A B Scott, chaplain to the corps, said he was sorry that they were being broken up but he advised them to join the new Force, if only for one year, and he laid stress on the married men of the rank and file to get in touch with our MP regarding separate allowances for their wives and families.

Mr Fraser, chemist, spoke of guns and various arms now obsolete and only fit for the museum.

Ex-Sergt.-Major Matheson gave an outline of the history of the Company, the ups and downs they had, and of how they kept at top for efficiency.

Sergt.-Major A R Macleod, in giving the toast of their absent officer, Captain Shaw, spoke highly of his interest in the company, of its state on his taking command, and of its excellence in efficiency, numbers, and finances at the present time.

Sergt. James Macleod supported Sergt.-Major A R Macleod, remarking when Captain Shaw took command the Company was in debt, and now they had a piano, a banquet set of dishes, &c, and funds, with many advantages to the recruit and Gunner they never had before.

Ex-Sergt.-Major Matheson next gave the toast of the past officers of the Coy, and, in doing so, gave a brief summary of the work done by these officers for the Company viz., Major Hill, Capt. Waugh, Major Sutherland, and Lieut. McPherson.

Mr Bowditch, harbour master, spoke, saying the youth of today had got put into their hands "a trust" from old foggies of the Empire, but to good-working order, and he hoped the young people would maintain the Empire, as of old, under the new order of things.

Sergt. A R Macleod next gave the toast of the Sergeants of the Company, coupling with it the names of Sergts. James Macleod and G Rutherford, complimenting both on their keen interest in all weathers concerning the Company to which both feelingly replied.

Sergt. A R Macleod next gave the ladies of Helmsdale who had always helped them in their concerts and dances which toast was drunk with great glee.

It was now nearing midnight, and Mr Robertson, MA, schoolmaster, suggested that they should terminate the existence of the Company by all hands singing "Auld Lang Syne". Watch in hand, Mr Robertson announced 12 midnight, when the whole company rose and crossed hands, singing lustily that universal song of parting, after which all became civilians and pronounced themselves ready to become soldiers of the new force.

During the evening, tobacco and pipes, with bread and cheese, beer, spirits, and waters were frequently handed round and, at intervals, songs were sung by Mr Clyne, Mr Scott, CG; Mr McLeod, photographer; Mr Robertson, Mr Bowditch, Mr Macleod, Boval; Dr Kirkwood (accompanied by Mr Shaklady on piano) gave some beautiful selections of Scottish and Irish airs on the violin, which greatly added to the enjoyment of a very happy evening.

The company thereafter, standing, sung "God Save the King" and so ended the meeting, and the last of the Artillery Volunteers in Helmsdale.

Shipbuilding yard at Helmsdale
April 30, 1908
Negotiations are still proceeding, with a view to the establishment of a shipbuilding yard at Helmsdale. No definite statement has however been made on the subject, from any side. There can be no doubt, however, that such an establishment would give an immense impetus to trade in Helmsdale, which is presently at a very low ebb.

There is no blinking the fact that the fishing industry will not again return to Helmsdale, which is indeed a great pity, but it is thought that with the harbour accommodation to be procured, there is no reason why a most successful shipbuilding industry should not be started.

All the surroundings are eminently suitable for such an undertaking. There are plenty of houses, plenty of merchants, and plenty of enterprise. The one thing lacking is capital, and once that obstacle has been surmounted there is reason to believe that with shipbuilding, pottery, and possibly gold mining industries, Helmsdale would again rise to, and even eclipse its former prosperity.

Sutherland Police
May 7, 1908

On Tuesday, the Sutherland Police obtained information that two men, named Jackson and Laurence, had left Wick and were wanted there on a charge of falsehood, fraud, and wilful imposition.

Constable Mackay, Helmsdale, traced the men beyond Golspie to the south, but there lost trace. At the Mound Station, the matter was reported to Chief Constable Chisholm, who promptly sent Sergt Polson, Golspie, and Constable Mackay, Brora, on the track, and these officers procuring bicycles set off in pursuit of the "wanted" men.

After considerable trouble and enquiry, they apprehended them near Clashmore, as they were making for Bonarbridge. The men were conveyed to Dornoch and handed by Sergt Polson yesterday over to an officer from Wick, where they will be tried. The accused were of good appearance and were well dressed.

We understand that the accused are "wanted" by the Sutherland Authorities after they are dealt with at Wick.

The capture was a smart one, but we believe that but for the use of bicycles these two culprits would have escaped. The value of a bicycle to a police officer is great, and greater financial assistance ought to be given the men who keep these machines.

Child killed at Navidale, run over by motorcar
September 28, 1911
A SAD motoring fatality whereby a bright little girl of 7 years, the daughter of Mr William Mackintosh, mason, Navidale near Helmsdale, lost her life, took place at Navidale on Tuesday (September 28, 1911)
The girl was following a dog across the road when she was caught by the mudguard of a passing motorcar, knocked to the ground and run over. The owner of the car, a Dublin gentlemen en route for Wick, and his chauffeur carried the girl into her home where her injuries were attended to but, notwithstanding the best possible treatment, she passed away four hours later. Deep sympathy is extended to the parents and other relatives in their sore bereavement.
The car, it is stated was going at a slow rate of speed at the time of the accident, and no blame is attached to the chauffeur or owner. The accident is the first case of the kind in the County of Sutherland.
 
The Castle park is gifted to the people of Helmsdale
August 5, 1926
At the meeting of the parish council on 23rd July the draft deposition in connection with the gift of the Castle Park to the village by Mr A M Couper, was read and approved and the Council decided that hereafter the name of the park should be the Couper Park.
 
The day a ‘huge whale’ was washed ashore at Loth
August 1927

 

 

 

 

The “huge whale measuring over thirty feet long” which came ashore at Loth in August 1927 brought back vivid memories for Mrs Barrie Tulloch of Damfield Road, Inverness.Whale washed up at LothShe sent us the pictureabove, which was taken at the time. “Our cousins from America were staying with us at Helmsdale police station and my father hired a car so that we could go to see the whale,” she recalled.
“What I remember most was the smell, which seemed to be with us until we returned to the car at the main road. Large crowds went along to view the huge carcase.”
Mrs Ross, Police Station, Helmsdale is on the left of the picture, her son kenneth (later Chief Constable) is next to her with his cousin Tom McFarlane from Boston. The young boy in the foreground is George McFarlane. Both are sons of Sandy McFarlane of “Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame” fame..
 
Trunk telephone exchange was opened at noon
December 8, 1927
Helmsdale has been hitched on to the trunk telephone system. The telephone exchange was opened yesterday at noon, the opening ceremony being carried out by Mr Andrew Lindsay, Golspie, convener of Sutherland. The exchange is in the post office and will be carried on by Mr J Fraser, postmaster. Besides subscribers, there were quite a number of the general public present at the ceremony, also Mr W Smith, head postmaster, Wick; and Mr R L Forrester, traffic superintendent, Aberdeen. The ceremony was quite an interesting one.
The convener, in declaring the exchange open, said – “Gentlemen, permit me to say that I am delighted to be here today taking part in the linking up of Helmsdale by telephone with the outside world and with other parts of our county. I can say from experience that this will prove a great boon to you in what concerns business and your social life. The telephone and the wireless have completely changed life in the country from what it was twenty years ago. Even our most outlying districts are in touch with the great cities. Wonderful as the strides made by science in these two achievements, there are still more wonderful things on the horizon such as television. I am sure that the public spirit of the inhabitants of Helmsdale will lead men to utilise the telephone to its utmost and consequently justify the opening of the exchange. I congratulate you, gentlemen, on the step you have taken.
 
Land slide at Navidale Shore braes
(February 16, 1928
Helmsdale – Owing to the heavy rainfall there was a land slide at Navidale Shore braes during the week of about 50 yards square and about 100 yards wide, involving probably hundreds of tons of earth, mud and stones. The whole came down with the speed of a train, terminating at the water edge. Fortunately it took place during the day when no one was about.
 
The last wolf in Sutherland
September 26, 1929 Standing midway between Brora and Helmsdale is a stone on which there is an inscription in effect that here, between 1690 and 1700, the last wolf in Sutherland was killed. From the following excerpt from an article to a Northern paper by a gentleman of veracity, it would appear that a wolf was seen in Sutherland as late as 1888.The author of the article, who was the guest of a shooting tenant in Sutherland, went out on the hill one day alone. During the afternoon a thick mist came down, which resulted in his losing his way. Night coming on, he decided to put up in a cave which he accidentally came across in the valley of Dionard. He made a fire and fell asleep."I awoke with a great start and looked at my watch. It was 1 o'clock in the morning, and the weather had cleared. The moon appeared and the stars shone with a flickering and a frosty lustre like great diamonds on the black corsage of night. The musty odour had become most intense, and as my sleepy eyes threw off their shattered torpor, I saw with a shiver of apprehension a pair of sunken baleful looking eyes regarding me steadily and stealthily across the dying embers of the fire."I slipped a couple of cartridges into my gun, and as I did so I heard a low painful whine. I could now make out a white form like a huge dog lying not more than three feet from me. Its head rested on its paws and so far from showing any signs of hostility, it seemed to exhibit symptoms of friendliness. Its coat was a kind of silver-grey in colour and was thick and curly, but the face showed signs of great age."I stood up with my gun at my shoulder, but the beast did not move, and I could not find it in my heart to shoot; instead I threw it a ham sandwich. It nosed it wearily, but did not attempt to eat it, so I tried it with a gorgonzola one, which it rejected with some evidence of repulsion. It then rose, and I saw to my unbounded astonishment that I was faced by a great silver-grey female wolf. She whined again, but kept her distance, and I then saw that in her eyes brooded a look of unutterable loneliness and misery."A female wolf, and the last wolf had been killed in Sutherland between 1690 and 1700. I could have gained lasting glory by shooting her, but my hand was stayed. It was I who had invaded her poor little dwelling, and she had shared it with me without hostility. She should suffer no harm from me. Her ancestors had wandered here when Scotland was joined to Greenland, and had shared these wan wastes with the majestic elk and the ivory-tusked boar; fighting and suffering and dying in those vast oak and pine forests, the remains of which are still visible in the great mosses which abound all over Sutherland."
 
December 5, 1929
How a suit of clothes found its way to wrong hands, was later sold to an itinerant Indian, a retailer of silks and odds and ends, and finally landed the first receiver of the suit in prison, was unfolded in the Dornoch Sheriff Court before Sheriff J W Forbes on Monday.A business man of the name of Alexander Stewart telephoned to a firm in Wick asking them to send on a suit of clothes to Helmsdale Station and he would call for it. Donald Mackay, car driver, Thurso, getting to know that a suit would duly arrive, conceived the idea of procuring it himself and making some money out of it.He appeared at Helmsdale Station, signed his name as Alexander Stewart, made off with the suit and sold it to a travelling Indian. He did not get much time to enjoy the proceeds of the sale.He made for the south but got no further than Tain when he was arrested by the police.On appearing before Sheriff Forbes on a charge of fraud, Mackay was sent to prison for 15 days.
 
Margaret Sutherland, four-and-ahalf years of age
September 18, 1930
For saving Margaret Sutherland, four-and-ahalf years of age, daughter of Mr John Sutherland, Neukie, Shore Street, Helmsdale, from drowning on 4th July last, Mr Alexander Cowie, fishermen, Shore Street, Helmsdale, has been awarded the Royal Humane Society's Parchment. Cowie, who is a native of Buckie, has been resident in Helmsdale for thirteen years.On being invited to make the presentation His Grace the Duke of Sutherland, KT, kindly consented, much to the gratification of the general public, and the ceremony which took place in the Drill Hall, Helmsdale, on Monday evening, was witnessed by a very large assembly, practically every seat in the building being occupied.His Grace was received with the utmost enthusiasm, deafening cheers greeting him on arrival.
 
Opening of the new gymnasium
October 23, 1930
A special meeting of the Sutherland Education Committee was held in Helmsdale HGP School on Wednesday, 15th inst. , on the occasion of the opening of the new gymnasium by Mr W W McKechnie, secretary of the Scottish Education Department.Rev John Macaskill, Kinlochbervie, chairman of the Education Committee, presided over a large gathering of pupils, teachers, parents and friends.
 
Helmsdale Hogmanay
January 1931
Hogmanay was the quietest for many years. Shopping was finished pretty early, and although the weather was good with clear moonlight, the streets were deserted by ten o'clock.The advent of 1931 was heralded by the sounding of an engine whistle at the station, and a firm handshake or two.The weather was clear and frosty up to about twelve o'clock when snow, sleet and rain fell. A service was held at mid-day in the Free Church.A fancy dress leap year dance
(February 11, 1932)A fancy dress leap year dance was held in Kildonan on the evening of 29th ult. There was a crowded house, and the gay costumes and air of mystery gave a piquancy to the evening. The judges were Mrs Ross, Torrish, Dr Macdonald, and Mr Campbell.1st prize, as best dressed lady, was awarded to Mrs Harry Mackenzie, Kildonan, who made a charming gipsy, and who acted the character to the life by reading fortunes with convincing aplomb.2nd prize went to Mrs McPherson, who was delightfully garbed in fifteenth century costume.For gentlemen in character, Mr J Miller, Kinbrace, was awarded 1st prize as Rajah of Travancove. Mr Benjamin Mackenzie, Kinbrace, received 2nd prize for his excellent representation of Sir Walter Raleigh.The neatest dressed lady, Miss Pirie, Helmsdale, as “Gee-Whiz,” was awarded first prize.Mr D Mackay, Achintoul, Kinbrace, received a prize for his smart “get-up” as a policeman.First prize went to Mr W Mackenzie, Lyneside, Kinbrace, for the originality displayed in his costume – “Buy British Goods”.Mr Sutherland, shepherd, Badanloch, Kinbrace, as “Ghandi” got a well-merited prize.Messrs MacPherson and Cameron, Helmsdale, representing “Sleepless Nights,” also got a place on the prize-list.

Rent day in Helmsdale
November 10, 1932
Tuesday, 8th November, being rent day in Helmsdale, there was a general influx from all the surrounding district. The sign of the times was observed, however, in the quietness which prevailed as compared with the lively scenes of a rent day of former years; and although at present Helmsdale is enjoying comparative prosperity compared with some fishing villages, there are very few people who find themselves with money to throw about after meeting the half-yearly demands.

Old familiar "cannons"
November 24, 1932
Among the many changes taking place in the village these days, one to be noticed is the disappearance of the old familiar "cannons" which guarded the entrance from the south. These formidable looking pieces were at one time part of a battery belonging to the local company of the Old Artillery, and were mounted at the end of Dunrobin Street when this corps was disbanded.
With the passage of time decay set in on the wooden carriages, and as children had long made a practice of climbing them, the local authorities decided they had once more become "dangerous" and consequently had them shut off from the thoroughfare by a dividing wall.

December 15, 1932
Scots Marriage – An interesting event occurred here last week when a young couple from the north were married under Scots law by a blacksmith over the anvil in approved Gretna Green fashion. The quaint ceremony took place quietly in one of the village smithies very few being present at the time, when with the aid of a Bible, and in presence of witnesses, the smith united them man and wife. The happy pair, who hail from Caithness, left for their future home shortly after the ceremony.

Stafford Cup
May 4, 1933
Helmsdale United and Dornoch again finished on terms in the Stafford Cup competition on Dudgeon Park, Brora.

This was the third meeting of the elevens. At the end of ninety minutes each side had scored two goals. An extra half-hour was played and in this period two more goals were put on and still the sides were unseparated. The replay takes place on Saturday 1st.

Gladys Finlayson, Stafford Street, is a proud little girl
1951/1952
Nine-year-old Gladys Finlayson, Stafford Street, is a proud little girl. She wrote a letter of sympathy to the Queen after the death of her father, King George VI. Now she has received a letter of acknowledgement from Her Majesty which Gladys will always cherish.
 
Sutherland Education Committee
January 30, 1953
Sutherland Education Committee last Friday, at Lairg, appointed Mr W Rutherford, a native of Helmsdale, head master of Golspie Senior Secondary School in succession to Mr D K Macrae, who retires at Easter. There were eight candidates on the short leet. Younger son of the late Mr and Mrs Andrew Rutherford, Stittenham Road, Helmsdale, Mr Rutherford was education at Helmsdale School and Aberdeen University, where he graduated MA with first class honours in English. He is at present on the staff of Kelso High School and previously taught at Hawick.
 
March 6 1953
Mrs T Jappy, 8 Golf Road, Helmsdale, was preparing potatoes for lunch, she found when trying to split one tuber that the knife was striking some unusually hard object inside. When at last she broke the potato apart, she found embedded in the centre, an Irish halfpenny complete with harp and date (1943) on one side, and the figure of sow and piglets on the other.
The imprint of the coin was clearly marked, with no discolouration or staining around. The potato had come from a sackful bought recently by Mr T Jappy from Mr Alister McKenzie, Culgower.
 
First seine net queen
August 7, 1953
Helmsdale fishermen who crowned their first seine net queen last Saturday must have been satisfied that all the work entailed to make this a gala occasion was very much worthwhile. And, to their delight, the sun shone all day right royally. The fishermen certainly did themselves and their thriving little village proud.
As the Rev J S Fulton, who addressed the crowd after the crowning, said, the fishermen had proved they knew how to relax. The harbour and the fleet of nine seine net boats were gaily bedecked with flags, and altogether presented a striking and colourful picture.
To make the occasion more impressive it had been arranged that the fleet should sail south to Brora to embark the queen (Miss Betty Mackintosh) and last year’s queen (Miss Betty Macleod), who were waiting there with their attendants.
 
Schoolday Flashbacks
Schoolday flashbacks and terrors relived were prompted by the renovation work on Helmsdale War Memorial, marked by a tablet unveiling ceremony on Saturday, 2nd September 2000 at 12 noon by Sir John Nutting of Auchentoul.
Former Sutherland District Council chairman John O F MacKay, "Jock Farr" to all remembered as a schoolboy in 1922 watching the original unveiling of the monument to the soldiers of the parish who died in world war one. "There was a huge crowd of people, with all the roads around packed, because it was such an important occasion in our lives," he remembered. He himself came close to being one of the names on the World War Two tablet after having both his legs blown off by a mine near El Alamein in 1942 as a sergeant in the Reconnaissance Corps


The War Memorial For Robert MacKay Keith, working on repairing the monument in 1953 with mason Ian Nicolson from Portgower, his memory was of almost landing 100ft on the road below, clutching the ornamental ball which tops off the tower.
It had been put in place more than 30 years before by Jock Farr's father, though several village men have also laid claim to that particular honour.
The ladder they were using to reach up over the dome was too short."I was young then and fit, so I was not going to be beat in reaching the extra 12 inches to get to the ball," he recalled after Saturday's ceremony. "Then to my horror I found the ball was coming towards me, moving out of its socket after the mounting had been eroding by weathering.
"I had the choice of letting the ball roll over to the other side and hitting Nick, or I visualised it coming over on top of me and both me and it hitting the road away down below. Well, you may have heard of a death grip, and that's what I did to hold on for all I was worth, getting it back in place."
Eventually the pair - employed by Alexander Sutherland Ltd of Golspie - managed to get down safely, on old rusty waterpipes which served as their scaffolding. But not before the initials IN and RMK had been inscribed in the wet concrete.

A fish landed at Helmsdale
April 2, 1954
A fish landed at Helmsdale by the local seine-net boat Sheena Mackay has been identified at Aberdeen Marine Laboratory as a specimen of the Greater Weever, or Trachinun Draco, which is very rarely found in Scottish waters.
It is a near relative of the Lesser Weever, which is fairly common in bays on the East Coast of Scotland.
The Greater Weever is caught sometimes on the south coast of England and is common on some continental coasts and in the Mediterranean.
It is a round fish resembling a mullet and has poisonous glands on its back.
One man killed, another injured.

July 29, 1955
"One man killed, another injured, " was the SOS from a Polish trawler off Helmsdale last Sunday.And out from Helmsdale, in a lobster-boat "ambulance", sailed 24-year-old Dr Sheila Gray and 26year-old Nurse Ishbel McLeod.The radio message, which came from the mother-ship of 15 Polish trawlers, was passed to the home of Dr W N Gray, of Helmsdale. But he was absent and his daughter Sheila, who is on holiday from Hammersmith ( London ) Hospital, decided to go out.Dr Gray and Nurse McLeod went aboard the trawler, lying-to about a mile off Helmsdale, and tended the injured man, whose name was given as Tadeusz Mierzwick. Later he was transferred to their boat, the Helen Slater, landed at Helmsdale and taken by ambulance to the L awson Memorial Hospital , Golspie. He was suffering from severe head and chest injuries.The Helen Slater was manned by Mr Alexander Jappy and his 14-year-old son, William, who was greatly thrilled when he was allowed to go aboard the Polish ship. Also on board was Police Constable Macdonald.Dr Gray told "The Northern Times": "We were not given any details of the accident, but I gathered that a cable snapped and a heavy weight fell on the men."The crew, mostly young men, were very pleasant and helpful. One or two could speak a little English.Others spoke French and German."I spoke to the captain of the mother-ship, the Frederic Chopin, over the inter-comm. He said:'Certainly, take the man ashore if you can do anything for him'."Nurse McLeod, a minister's daughter from Dornoch, said: "It was just another job, but a very interesting one. Dr Gray overcame the language difficulties by speaking to the crew in French."The body of the dead man was brought ashore later by Mr Neil Mackay, of Helmsdale, in his fishing boat the J L C Mackay. The body was taken to Helmsdale mortuary. Mr C B Simpson, Helmsdale, and customs officers, also went aboard the Polish vessel which had anchored off Helmsdale. Perhaps the best "weather" story of the past week

January 27, 1956
Perhaps the best "weather" story of the past week occurred last Saturday night when the Wick Academy football team, on their way home by bus from Inverness, had reason to be thankful to two Sutherland roads department employees, from Helmsdale - Sandy Sutherland, who drives the Ministry of Transport Mack tractor, and foreman William G Mackay.The bus could not get through the snow drifts north of Helmsdale and would never have crossed into Caithness unless Sutherland and Mackay had been there with their plough. They cleared a way right into Dunbeath, and the footballers were indeed grateful.On the way back, the plough came on a lorry loaded with eggs on the Berriedale brae. The driver was afraid to move, but he was soon safely on the way to Helmsdale with his precious cargo.But Sutherland and Mackay were not finished. They worked on all night keeping the way into Caithness clear of snow and did not "knock off" until 10 o'clock on Sunday morning, when they were relieved by another plough from Brora.
 

Mackenzie Shield at Helmsdale
May 25, 1956
After their team's disappointing showing against Caithness in the Portland Bowl at Dornoch last Saturday, Sutherland Football Association made wholesale changes for the game with Ross-shire in the Mackenzie Shield at Helmsdale tomorrow night.
The team is - W Fraser (Golspie); B Macdonald (Lairg) and D Macleod (Lairg); D Nisbet (Brora); J Sutherland (Helmsdale) and A Cowie (Helmsdale); J Mackay (Golspie) and W Begg (Wimpeys); J Miller (Brora); C Melville (Golspie) and Don Sinclair (Helmsdale).
Reserves - A Sutherland (Lairg), W Sutherland (Brora), H Baillie (Brora), R Mackay (Helmsdale), A Sutherland (Golspie), D Snody (Lairg) and I Fraser (Lairg).

If the country was to be saved a great deal of money
February 3, 1956
If the country was to be saved a great deal of money, the class one road from Helmsdale through Strath Halladale to Melvich on the north coast should be the principal route for traffic to the Atomic Energy Authority's scheme at Dounreay, in Caithness, Mr J. H.Mackay, Melvich, on Monday told Sutherland County Council at Lairg.He had heard a rumour that there was a scheme afoot to spend money on the trunk road route up the east coast by Berriedale and there were "terrific gradients, " to be surmounted which would mean building a viaduct.
But on the Helmsdale/Melvich road there were no gradients to contend with and no bridges. This was the obvious route."We should urge on all the authorities concerned the simplicity of carrying out this work on the road and it would mean a saving of 42 miles for traffic, " he said.
"I understand loads weighing over 100 tons are envisaged and there will be difficulty getting them along even the wider trunk road."Previously the County Council had suggested that, in view of the amount of Dounreay traffic using the Helmsdale-Melvich road, the Atomic Energy Authority should take it over. On Monday the council agreed to invite the authority to talks with the Roads Committee at Helmsdale.After Monday's meeting, Mr Mackay told a reporter that if his plan was taken up there would be no interference with agricultural land. If this other scheme he had heard about went on it would be more costly and would not be so serviceable for dounreay purposes. The council also agreed that representations should be made to the Authority, concerning damage done by their traffic to Sutherland highways.

Helmsdale cinema
February 1, 1957
Because television is keeping so many people indoors at week-ends Helmsdale cinema, run by the local Amenities Committee, may be forced to close down, temporarily at least. The difficulties confronting the cinema will be discussed at the committee’s annual general meeting at the end of the month.Helmsdale has a population of only 800 and yet there are over 100 TV sets in the village. Referring to this at a meeting of Sutherland Education Committee at Lairg last week, Mrs C P Rutherford, Helmsdale, said it was not now likely that the Amenities Committee would be so ready to buy the old school gymnasium for a cinema. The present cinema in the Drill Hall was running at a loss “because the entire population are viewing television”. …An Amenities Committee official told “The Northern Times” that they could not be expected to run the cinema at a loss. It was disheartening for people who were giving their services voluntarily for the good of the community. The position would be reviewed at the annual general meeting and he expected it would be decided to close down temporarily at least.When they reopened they would see if they were to be better supported. “If the people realise they may lose their cinema that may give them a jolt and perhaps there will be larger attendances.”The previous week the cinema showed “Doctor at Sea” featuring James Robertson Justice, who now had his home at Spinningdale, and there was quite a good attendance, but still the film only paid its way and no more, said the official. It was in colour and that made it more expensive.A local resident told “The Northern Times” that it was mainly the younger people and school children who supported the cinema. Older folks preferred the comfort of their own fireside and if they did not have TV themselves they went out to a friend who had.“Looking out of my window here I can see a dozen TV aerials in the new council houses and there are many more besides. When the Old Meldrum transmitter started there were 60 TV sets in the village in no time.

Mass Radiography Unit
July 12, 1957
The Mass Radiography Unit from the Western Hospital Board will open its campaign in Sutherland next Wednesday with public sessions at Helmsdale School. The hours are 2 to 4.30pm and 6 to 8.30pm. The service which is free, is confidential. There will be no undressing and no appointment is necessary. The unit will be at Brora School on Thursday and on Saturday of next week Golspie will have two sessions – in the YMCA Hall in the forenoon and at Sutherland Agricultural Show in the afternoon. Lairg, Dornoch and Bonar-Bridge will be visited during the following week.Dr K A Macrae, county medical officer, told “The Northern Times” that anyone found to have tuberculosis in this campaign will be informed in strict confidence and arrangements will be made for the necessary treatment. “It is hoped in this way,” he said “to discover early cases so that they may be cured really completely, but all necessary treatment will be available to every case found in whatever stage of the disease.”Continuing, Dr Macrae said: “It might be asked whether the large expenditure of public money needed for this campaign will bring results in terms of public health. One has to think first of the expense of being ill with tuberculosis. The total cost in terms of ill health, lost work, hospital treatment and drugs is, in the long run, infinitely heavier than the cost of a mass X-ray campaign.“Everything possible is being done to treat known active cases and to avoid their being a danger to others. The difficulty lies with the unsuspected cases of tuberculosis, people who suffer quietly and infect others, but never see their doctor about their cough. If only we could find all these undiscovered cases we would have a good chance of really controlling the disease.“It may be thought that Sutherland people will still be open to the dangers of getting tuberculosis in big cities. This has certainly been the case up till recently; but it may well change in view of the remarkable success of mass radiography in these places.“Glasgow, Edinburgh and other cities in the south have done their share in an effort to clear tuberculosis out of Scotland, and Sutherland people are sure to benefit from the forthcoming visit of the unit. They should do their part in supporting their own campaign, and get as many as possible to attend at the different centres.”

Helmsdale fishermen
November 22, 1957
Helmsdale fishermen who have been landing their catches elsewhere than at their home port, are to be told they must take action to provide a reasonable revenue at the harbour, owned by the County Council, if they want further repairs to be carried out there.
This action was recommended by Sutherland Harbours and Piers Committee at Lairg last Monday after discussion of a Scottish Home Department letter stating they regretted they could offer no grant towards the cost of repairs – £455 – required at the inner basin at Helmsdale harbour.
The Department suggested that the money could be found from the pooled revenue got at the profit-making harbours at Kinlochbervie and Lochinver without a contribution having to be made from the rates. The committee minuted their disagreement with this pooled revenue proposal, but in the meantime suggested that the local Helmsdale harbour committee should be asked to devise a plan which would ensure a reasonable revenue for the council from harbour dues. It was noted that last year the council had run Helmsdale harbour at a loss.

 
Prince Charles
May 13, 1977
Prince Charles caught two salmon on his first day on the River Helmsdale on Wednesday – both from the No. 3 Above beat on Upper Torrish Estate in Kildonan Strath.
Only six weeks before he is due here on an official visit, the Prince of Wales is staying at Kilphedir Lodge on a three-day private holiday.
 
Pope Maternity Hospital Helmsdale
February 4, 1977
It is estimated that every baby born in the four-bed General Pope Maternity Hospital at Helmsdale this year could cost the National Health Service £680 – the highest charge in Scotland.
This is one of the statistics produced by the Highland Health Board in their case for closing down the maternity unit in Helmsdale and transferring all emergency confinements to the Lawson Hospital in Golspie.
In a letter to Mr Jack MacLeod, secretary of the Sutherland Health Council, the Board say they are asking their officers to consider if arrangements can be made at the Lawson Hospital to allow mothers confined there or in Inverness and Thurso to complete their lying-in period.
 
THE GENERAL POPE HOSPITAL. HELMSDALE, SUTHERLAND
originally called The Helmsdale Dispensary Hospice 1935 - 1973.
My account of this Hospital is based largely on interviews with the elderly of Helmsdale, Sutherland, some of whom are in their nineties, the General Practitioner who served the Hospital for thirty years and the local historian. A great deal of the early documentation was housed in the office of the Local Registrar and Village Officer. Unfortunately, when Regionalization was introduced in 1974 this joint post was disbanded and the lady, who has since died, was reputed to have set fire to most of the documentation. This incident happened on her last day in post shortly after her farewell party, when it is claimed she made her final gesture in defiance of officialdom.The Hospital was opened in 1935 in "the same year as electric light was introduced to the Village. The Hospital was erected to serve the needy of the Parish of Kildonan and Helmsdale which (at that time) had a population of 1,203, consisting of a Fishing and Crofting community. The community had a reputation for looking after its own poor and needy, those who were required to be housed were sent to Migdale, at Bonar Bridge, some forty miles south of Helmsdale, the local Poor House having been closed many years previous.General Pope of The Bombay Army, a native of Helmsdale, being aware of the poverty and hardship of the times, felt a compassionate need to try and alleviate the conditions of the Villagers, and on his death in 1886, he left sufficient money in trust to erect a Hospital in order that the suffering of the Parish should benefit.The intended capital was £5,000. However, difficulties arose and the actual amount was £3,946. In order to meet the deficit, a Building Fund was formed and after a further generous donation, work began with a clause stating that the Hospital must be planned to conform to the Department of Health requirements. The Architect and Contractors were all local men and the bricks used for the building came from the brickworks in Brora, a Village eleven miles south of Helmsdale. The brick had a reddish tinge and when the building was completed, it resembled an attractive English-type cottage. The building was sited in its own grounds and nestled under Helmsdale Rock which is a local landmark.The Hospital was opened by Lady Sykes on the 1st August, 1935. It had five beds; two female beds, two male beds for care of the elderly and a maternity room with one bed. The beds for the elderly were already occupied before the official opening date.For the following eleven years until 1946, the Hospital was maintained by voluntary efforts, supervised by the Local General Practitioner and District Nurse. The Hospital cared for many of Helmsdale's destitute and elderly. The maternity bed was only used for premature or difficult births. The majority of women, because they were not on the Doctor's panel, had their babies in their own home and were usually attended by a lay-person who, because of years of experience of childbirth, was deemed to be the local midwife.After the implementation of The National Health Act in 1946, the Hospital was closed for three months. During my interviews with some of the elderly villagers, this is the point where the interview dropped to a whisper. The reason for the closure was rumored to be that the last lady to give birth in the Hospital had been fraternizing with a fleet of incoming herring fisherman (not belonging to Helmsdale of course) and had contacted a variety of venereal disease, causing the Hospital to require three months fumigation.The true facts were that the Hospital was taken over by the National Health Service and a decision was made to change the Hospital into a Maternity Hospital, the only one in Sutherland. After refurbishing the Hospital was opened under the new name of The General Pope Maternity Hospital. The new Style Hospital had five beds, a labour room, laundry and kitchen facilities and was staffed by a resident Matron, four Ward Auxiliaries, and one Cook, with the local General Practitioner in attendance.To the dismay of the local population, the Hospital was closed in 1973» because it was not regarded as a viable proposition by the Highland Health Board. Since its closure, the women of Helmsdale and the surrounding district travel a round trip of eighty miles to Wick or one hundred and sixty miles to Inverness, in order to have their child born in a Hospital. During the years between 1935 and 1973, there were 1,802 children born in The General Pope Maternity Hospital.After the Hospital closed, the people of Helmsdale pressured the Highland Health Board into renovating the building in order to give the Village a Health Centre. Unfortunately, the Highland Health Board would not entertain the idea. The Social Work Department then toyed with the idea of renting the building and using it as a detoxification centre. This plan was also discarded. Finally, after protest meetings from the Villagers, who felt that the building should be given back to the community, the Highland Health Board sold the Hospital.The Hospital is now a private dwelling and feelings still run high among the Villagers who feel that the monies received from the sale, should have been given to the Village
 
The cost of one toilet block at Helmsdale
July 8, 1977
£11,000 – was more than what it would cost to build two council houses, councillor Mrs Leila Mackenzie of Kinlochbervie told the district council last week.
 
Opening in Helmsdale of the new fish processing factory
March 24, 1978
Opening today in Helmsdale is the new fish processing factory built by the Highland Regional Council for Helmsdale Seafoods Ltd., a subsidiary of a Saltcoats firm owned by Mr Neil Gibson and Mr Ian Irvine.
Costing £58,000 the factory is situated on the foreshore at Helmsdale, covering 3000 square feet and bringing employment to more than 20 local people.
The Rev Murdo Nicolson, chairman of the Regional Council, returns to his old parish to perform the opening ceremony, the first industrial premises to be wholly completed by the Region in its four years of operations.
 
Quarry sites around Helmsdale are to be surveyed
August 11, 1978
Quarry sites around Helmsdale are to be surveyed for one of Britain’s “super-quarries” for the supply of aggregates for the construction industry in this county and on the Continent.
These investigations are now under discussion between the Scottish Development Department and the Institute of Geological Sciences with the aim of mounting a study to give further consideration to the potential sites, with Helmsdale as one of the areas given special attention.
This follows a report on coastal super-quarries first given prominence in the report of the advisory group for the Department of the Environment in 1976.
Mr Robert Maclennan MP has been told by Lord Kirkhill, Minister of State at the Scottish Office, that a great deal of investigation was needed before acceptable locations could be decided.
At the employment conference in Brora last April, there was discussion about the possibility of attracting the proposed super-quarry presently being considered at a site in the north, to Helmsdale because of the lack of employment opportunities in the area.
 
Helmsdale’s proposed community centre
1st December 1978
Helmsdale’s proposed community centre, in the now derelict district council offices, may shortly get a windfall from the Couper Trust to make it a reality. Mr W H Cormack, Tain solicitor and a grandson of one of the Coupers of Helmsdale who administers the Trust, said last week: “The original sum left was something like £2000 for the purpose of helping to set up a town hall in Helmsdale. It was never adequate, of course. The bequest was made when Adam Couper died around 1933. The income has been increasing since and it is considerably more than that sum now. It was decided that the remaining sum should be divided between the football club and the community centre. I hope to get things finalised very shortly.”
 
The south snow gate at Helmsdale
January 26, 1979
The south snow gate at Helmsdale was shifted last weekend from its location opposite the Police Station to a point at the last inhabited house on the Ord road - within 48 hours of a protest meeting in the Navidale Hotel. Mr Keith Macfarlane, director of roads and transport at Highland Region, said on Friday: "I was in touch with the Scottish Development Department, the trunk road authority, after the meeting and they have given me the authority to move the gates. "There is no difficulty from the Scottish Secretary's point of view because he agreed to the siting on the recommendation of the local roads engineer and the police. "Having established that the people in the area were unanimously wanting to have the gates shifted to a new site beside an unofficial lay-by, I have instructed the local engineer, in consultation with the police, to move the gates today." The meeting was arranged by the Highland Regional Council following letters of protest from residents on Navidale Brae, complaining that the original location of the gate caused them unnecessary inconvenience because they were shut in. Although she did not say so at the meeting, one Helmsdale woman had to get out of her bed on New Year's Day, while suffering from flu, to crawl under the gate to get into Helmsdale to collect water after the local supply froze up. But Dr William Davidson, the Helmsdale GP, made the telling point that he had 50 patients on his home side of the gate - and 1100 on the other.
 
GP maternity unit in Sutherland
March 30, 1979
Helmsdale Community Council has asked the Secretary of State for the establishment of a modern GP maternity unit in Sutherland at the Lawson Memorial Hospital, Golspie.
This follows their recent canvass of all the community councils in Sutherland for support. Twelve of the 15 councils have intimated to Helmsdale secretary Miss Margot MacGregor that they were in support of the Helmsdale plea.
 
Bid for maternity services in Sutherland
June 22, 1979
Helmsdale Community Council are to appeal to the Ombudsman in their bid for maternity services in Sutherland, after receiving a firm "no" from both former and present Secretaries of State.
Armed with the support of 12 of the 15 community councils in Sutherland, Helmsdale have been putting pressure on St Andrew's House to provide a modern general practitioner unit at the Lawson Hospital, Golspie.
Miss Margot McGregor, secretary of Helmsdale Community Council, has written to both past and present Secretaries of State for Scotland, Mr Bruce Millan and Mr George Younger, urging a re-think on the whole question of maternity facilities in Sutherland. But it appears that the Tory view is the same as that of their predecessors in Government.
 
Helmsdale has been declared district winner in the 1979 "Britain in Bloom
1979
Helmsdale has been declared district winner in the 1979 "Britain in Bloom" contest for the best-kept village. It will now represent Sutherland in the area final, where it faces six other villages, including Ullapool.
 
The "frozen mitt"
November 30, 1979
Helmsdale's community council have given the "frozen mitt" to the district council's rejection of their proposal to develop the old ice house in Shore Street as a local museum.In a frosty letter, Helmsdale council secretary, Miss Margot MacGregor has told the district council that if they have any plans to establish a museum of any sort in the Helmsdale area they can get on with it themselves.In her letter, Miss MacGregor is highly critical of remarks made by Mr George Durrand, the district director of technical services, who attacked community councils for having "wild dreams".
 
Ex-Premier James Callaghan
March 21, 1980
Ex-Premier James Callaghan's two-day visit to Caithness and Sutherland last weekend was a splendid coup for Labour MP Robert Maclennan, and a gratifying occasion for party workers and supporters - but it also gave crofters, farmers and fishermen a splendid opportunity to let off steam, mainly against the present Government policies.Mr Callaghan, speaking at Helmsdale towards the end of his crowded schedule, said: "This is obviously a very down period for fishermen. And the increase in fuel costs is never going to get less, just like the oil-based fertilisers in crofting and farming."The future of the inshore fishing industry is not looking good at the moment, and the combination of high interest rates, the cost of fuel and the poor prices they are getting for their catch clearly means that a community like Helmsdale is going to get into great difficulty if this goes on much longer."A las, I am not in a position to do anything about this now - except to protest verbally and try to influence people. Its quite clear we must overcome inflation, and you can't do that with the policies the Government are following at the present time."
Seals being shot without a licence
November 7, 1980
Police in Caithness and Sutherland are investigating an incident on Tuesday at Badbea, between Helmsdale and Berriedale, when it was alleged that seals were being shot under the cliffs without a licence. An eye-witness, from Brora, who was visiting the site of the historic ruined village with friends, was alerted by the sound of shots and looked over the 150 ft. high cliffs. They saw a small white motor boat shepherding seals - both pups and adults - in towards the shore, where a rifleman was lying among the rocks. They described the scene as "horrific" with the water red with the blood of the seals, which were being massacred indiscriminately - and bullets were ricocheting off the water and the rocks. A spokesman for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Edinburgh said on Wednesday they had no knowledge of any licence being granted for seal culling in the area.
 
One of the first places Prince Charles and fiancee Lady Diana Spencer may visit together
February 27, 1981
One of the first places Prince Charles and fiancee Lady Diana Spencer may visit together, after he returns from Australia, is romantic Kilphedir Lodge in Strath Kildonan. Prince Charles has taken a week's fishing holiday there every May for the past three years.Kilphedir is partly owned by Lady Diana's step-grandmother, novelist Barbara Cartland. Her own mother, Mrs Frances Shand-Kydd, visited the lodge last year.Mrs Cartland's first husband was Alastair George McCorquodale, whose family own Kilphedir, and their daughter Raine, is the second wife of Lady Diana's father, the Earl Spencer.On April 26, Lady Diana's eldest sister Sarah and her husband will be making the trip north for a week's holiday at Kilphedir.Last year, Sarah married Mr Neil McCorquodale, whose father, Alastair, is the nephew of Barbara Cartland's second husband, Hugh McCorquodale.So it seems likely that the Prince and his 19-year-old fiancee, with their shared love of the outdoor life, may visit the lodge on the edge of the River Helmsdale.Mr Andrew Sutherland, 5 Sutherland Street, Helmsdale, who is Prince Charles' ghillie, said on Wednesday: "I have had no word yet about a visit."Lady Sarah is coming here in April. She has visited the area several times before but, as far as I know, Lady Diana has never been here."And does he think he will be invited to the July wedding? "I very much doubt it, " he said.Security has always been tight when the Prince of Wales visits the River Helmsdale. Local police who know the area well are joined by experienced Scotland Yard officers who maintain a 24-hour watch on the narrow road through the Strath.So Kilphedir could be as ideal a spot as anywhere in Britain for a hide-out to discuss plans for Britain's biggest wedding since the Queen's.On behalf of the people of Sutherland, the Lord Lieutenant, Col. Allan Gilmour, has sent a message of congratulations to Prince Charles and Lady Diana.

Torrish Estate ghillie Andrew Sutherland landed the catch of his lifetime
June 5, 1981
Torrish Estate ghillie Andrew Sutherland landed the catch of his lifetime last week when he received an invitation to the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. He and his wife Josephine are "absolutely thrilled" about the giltedged invitation card from the Lord Chamberlain. Andrew, of 5 Sutherland Street, Helmsdale, has been ghillie to the Prince for the past four years, but when the Northern Times asked him in February if he thought he might get an invitation, he said: "I very much doubt it." Austrian-born Josephine said this week: "We are both really delighted - it never entered our minds that we would ever receive such an invitation. It is very nice of them both."I did not meet Lady Diana last time she was here, because the security was so tight that they were not really able to go anywhere, but I gather that they both love the area.They had a really enjoyable time, picnicking and walking."Andrew and Josephine are to stay for a week in London, visiting friends, and as Mrs Sutherland says "making the most of it".
 
Helmsdale Highland Games
August 21, 1981
AFTER a lapse of more than 85 years, Helmsdale Highland Games are being revived next week - and the heavyweight events have been included in the Highlands and Islands championship table.This accolade for a first meeting is due to the strong preparatory work done by the organising committee, led by Mrs Mary Dudgeon of Crakaig, who have been planning the games for almost eighteen months.The organisation and fundraising ability has been favourably noted by the Scottish Games Association and Saturday, August 29, will be an important date for many athletes hoping to win last-minute points to improve their position, for it is the last but one meeting of the season.The Games Chieftain is Mr Frank Macpherson, a native of Helmsdale, who won many prizes himself in his younger days at meetings at Dornoch, Dunbeath and Wick in heavy and field events.

January 21, 1983
Parents in Helmsdale were “furious” on Tuesday night when they learned that their school children were brought home from Brora on a double-decker bus in blizzard conditions and with no heating.
As a result, many did not allow their children to board the same bus on Wednesday morning to take them to school again. And that meant some missing their O Grade prelim examinations. Only seven pupils went on the bus.
Mrs Margaret Traill, whose daughter Anita (16) was one of the 17 pupils who did not attend school on Wednesday, despite having an examination, said: “The children came home on Tuesday night absolutely freezing. There was no heating on the bus, and there were even some windows open.
“The conditions that night were some of the worst encountered this winter and yet our children were put on an F-registered double-decker. It would be almost impossible for the driver to concentrate on the road and to control the children upstairs and downstairs.”

Bunillidh Sports Club
March 11, 1983
The "massive investment" of Bunillidh Sports Club in raising £28,000 towards the £40,000 cost of a new indoor bowling rink and squash court was praised by Mr Robert Fasken, a member of the Highlands and Islands Development Board, when he officially opened the new sports complex at Helmsdale last Saturday.
The HIDB contributed £8000 towards the balance, and Highland Regional Council a further £4000.
As a result, Helmsdale now has the most complete indoor sports centre of any community in Sutherland, and Mr Fasken said that the village was giving a lead to other communities in the Highlands towards the provision of all-weather facilities for local residents, visitors and holidaymakers.
He said that it was the aim of the HIDB's social fund – with an extra £50,000 this year from the Government to swell the fund to £500,000 – to assist in projects of this kind, which could be seen as a benefit to local communities as well as to the tourist trade.
Mr William McCulloch, president of the sports club, missed the opening ceremony because the coach bringing him and the Bunillidh Thistle football team back from the match at Bonar Bridge had broken down.
In his absence, secretary and treasurer Mr Alex Blance reviewed the history of the sports club from its beginnings in 1970, when they first provided a sports pavilion and dressing rooms for the football club, subsequently had it licensed, and as a result of profits at the bar and with gaming machines had been able to launch out into this new project.

The new village sign
May 6, 1983

The new village sign, the work of Helmsdale School, has been erected at the car park beside the tourist office off the A9 beside the new bridge.

This is a most decorative sign with roads, streets, shops and places of interest all clearly marked and will hopefully help visitors to find their way around the district and village more easily.

Happy Mix of Glamour and History
August 26, 1988
IT was like a scene from one of her own novels- the lady in pink dominated the entire audience who sat spellbound to her every word.
Barbra Cartland the "Queen of Romance", swept aside all her critics in a flurry of shocking pink on a dull Thursday to declare open a "shrine" dedicated to her life and works in the Timespan Heritage Centre at the end of the Telford Bridge in Helmsdale.
Despite protestations of some backwoodsmen and a very direct reference by her to the burning down of her family's holiday home at Kilphedir four years age 87-year-old Miss Cartland attracted almost 200 people, many of them tourists, to see her cut the ribbon. pink of course.
At a tasteful luncheon party in the Bunillidh Restaurant, she defended her local connections against criticism that her room was a "dammed disgrace" and a "pink monstrosity".
The author of 475 books, twice married into the McCorquodale printing family, who have had an estate at Torrish in Strath of Kildonan since the twenties, she said: "I have been visiting Helmsdale for 61 years and really feel pert of it. "I am 90 per cent Scottish, though more lowland than Highland.
Twelve of my books have had Helmsdale as a background, because I think this is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I travel all over the world and was stunned by the beauty of this place when I first came here in 1927, and since then I know of no place quite as beautiful as the Strath of Kildonan."
 
Helmsdale Coastguard Early Years
There has probably been a Coastguard Station at Helmsdale since the turn of the Century. The building, which is traditionally known as the CRE.
(Coastguard Rescue Equipment) was built in 1912, the same year as the Titanic sunk.Until the last few years Helmsdale also had a Lookout Post, which I believe was built just after the 2nd World War. The original Lookout was the lower part of the building with an addition to the top during the 1950's.
The watches were kept until the mid eighties. Sector Base On the closure of Wick during 1983, the building was further utilised as the Sector Office for the new Dornoch Sector. This continued to serve as the Sector base until 1987, when the new base was built at Dornoch.
Sadly after this the building went into decline helped by local vandals and was sold off. It is still empty today, as planning permission was not given to build a house on this site, due to road access.
First Female Coastguards In the early eighties the Coastguard Company was over 20 strong, all male. During a callout no Coastguard could be obtained from Helmsdale due to working away from the village.
This led to the introduction of the first females in the team. At the time I was threatened with a walk out if I took Females in, but never the less I went ahead and only three members resigned.
The First Females were Catherine Whitehead and Janice Innes. They started to give me a lot more work, being keen and wanting training on a regular basis, still true today.
As the years rolled on Catherine eventually became the Auxiliary Coastguard in Charge, or the Station Officer which is now their new title. Recruitment continued with females, not because of any sexist thing, but it was they who were volunteering to become Coastguards. The Company is 8 strong and still has two males.
Billy Whitehead, who is the Deputy Station Officer and Catherine's husband. I must add, not favouritism but voted in by the Company.
The other chap is Andrew Martin, husband of Morag Martin also a Coastguard. Other Coastguards are, Claire Findlay, Lorna Jappy who left for a brief period to have child, but came back into the flock.
Janet Marshall who had a very successful period with "Scottish Slimmers", managing to attract an Orcadian boyfriend, works in the local Spar Shop. Incidents Over the years, Helmsdale has seen a fair share of incidents that occur in the Sector.
Incidents range from vessels ashore, broken down, drifting off, missing persons, coast searches.
This year has been particularly busy, with a number of visiting yachts going aground, resulting in Coastguards going out in local boats to assist in getting vessels off the bar, outside the Harbour.
The coastal responsibility for Helmsdale Coastguard cover the coastal stretch from the Ord of Caithness to Brora Point, but in practise they have responded North to Lybster, and South to the Dornoch Firth.

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