Suisgill Estate

A short drive up the Strath of Kildonan from Helmsdale, Suisgill is a fantastic place to stay. With its tranquil setting and spectacular scenery you couldn't ask for a better location to get away from it all, but you are always within easy reach of the local amenities in Helmsdale and, at roughly 10 miles from the A9, it makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas of Sutherland and Caithness.

There are a number of self-catering holiday properties on the estate that are rented out on a weekly basis. Balvallioch, the closest to Helmsdale, is a charming shepherd's cottage that sleeps 4 people. Gardeners Cottage, which sleeps 6-8 people, is a few miles further up the Strath and has been newly decorated to rent out in 2012. Upper Suisgill Lodge sleeps up to 14 people and is located 12 miles away from Helmsdale. For more information about our self-catering cottages, prices and availability please click here.

Once here, you will be spoilt for choice for things to do. Suisgill runs alongside the banks of the famous River Helmsdale so is a mecca for salmon-fishing enthusiasts, and red deer stalking, grouse shooting and trout fishing are also available on or near the estate. Walking and wildlife-spotting opportunities abound and the area is popular with gold panners hoping to strike it rich at Baile an Or, the site of the 1869 Great Sutherland Gold Rush. Other popular activities for guests are golf, horse riding, mountain biking and surfing. You are also in a great location to explore the area's many attractions, including the Timespan museum in Helmsdale, the stunning Sutherland beaches, Dunrobin Castle and the Castle of Mey, as well as some of the excellent local distilleries. For more information about things to do on and around Suisgill, please click here.

Visit the Suisgill website.

Balvallioch Self-Catering Cottage

Balvallioch is a charming self-catering holiday cottage set about 6 miles up the Strath of Kildonan from Helmsdale. Located on Suisgill, a traditional working Highland estate, this comfortable cottage is totally private and commands stunning views of the River Helmsdale and the surrounding hills.

There is much to do in the area and the cottage is popular with gold panners, walkers, cyclists, fishermen, golfers, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, among many others. It is located just down the road from Baile an Or, the site of the 1869 Kildonan Gold Rush, where gold panning is allowed for free on Kildonan Burn. Balvallioch guests are also granted unique gold-panning access to Suisgill Burn for the week that they are staying.

The cottage sleeps 4 in two bedrooms and a camp bed with additional bed linen is available for a 5th person. The accommodation comprises one double room, one twin room, a bathroom with over-bath shower, lavatory and basin, a cosy sitting room with fuel-burning stove, a well-equipped kitchen and a large dining room, plus outbuildings and a fenced rough-grass garden. A large freezer, washing machine and ironing facilities are available for your use, as well as satellite television for your entertainment.

Dogs are most welcome but we do ask their owners to behave responsibly. Arrival and departure days at Balvallioch are Saturdays unless otherwise arranged.

For more information and bookings visit the Suisgill website, or get in touch with Lucy Reeves on 01933 311500 or at lettings@suisgill.co.uk.

Visit the Suisgill Website