Helmsdale - Painting The Town

25th February 2006

Dropping in on Helmsdale the other day you could not help noticing the bright colours. La Mirage has been brightly painted in red for many years and the Bridge Hotel and Tackle shop have sported a green and white for the past couple of years. Now the former Bunullidh restaurant has had a makeover, changed it name to Wayfarer under new management and is now a rich shade of blue. The colours fairly lift the spirits on a cold winters day.

Gone is all the drabnesss of Highland wind swept coastal town and in with the new bright colours that seemingly reflect a new swiing about Helmsdale. For some years it was struggling and languishing in the downturn of the fishing industry and problems with the harbour wall. There is definite air of something happening in Helmsdale these days. A gritty determination that they must get on with it and the knowledge that they are sitting in very good place on the coast.

If you have not been for some time it comes as pleasant surprise to find that not oly has Highland council strenghterned and repaired the harbour walls but wee marina sits nestling in th ehabour beckoing yachts to come in the sprring and summer. But step along the towns main street and you will come to the cnetre of the town near the Timespan museum where buildings are brighly painted and looking amazingly fresh reflecting a new enthusiam showing that small busineess are fighting back and gearing up for a busy summer.

Helmsdale has lot going for it. It sits directly on the A9 north and is convenient stopping place on the long journey to Wick, Thurso or for catching the ferry to Orkney. And it is well worth truning off the road here as there is an amazing choice of eating places ranging from The Bridgre Hotel, Bannockburn Pub - an old traditional pub daign from the late 1800's, La Mirage restaruant famous for the the allegiance of its former owner to Barbara Cartland, the newlly painted Wayfarer under new mangement, a chippy, the Belgrave Arms Hotel, Gilbert's Tearoom and a cafe at the Timespan heritage museum open from Spring to Autumn. An unexpected range to choose from this far north.

The area is packed with things to see and do from fishing, walking along the coast or taking drive up the Strath of Kildonan looking for the elusive gold. Some folk still try their hand at panning in the river and streams nearby. And yes they do find tiny amounts of gold but rarely enough to make you rich. The timespan museum will show you the early camp where workers tried to make their fortune in this mini gold rush. A forlorn hope but still brought an early boom to the fishing town.

Apart from hotels the area has plenty of Bed and Breakfast establshments and you are in great place for exploring Sutherland or heading into Caithness for a day or two.

Check out the town web site at www.helmsdale.org
Helmsdale and
The Timespan Museum