Helmsdale (Scots: Helmsdal, [2] Scottish Gaelic: Bun Ilidh) [3] is a village on the east coast of Sutherland, in the Highland council area of Scotland. The modern village was planned in 1814 to resettle communities that had been removed from the surrounding straths as …

A warm welcome to the community website for Helmsdale, a beautiful coastal village in North East Sutherland. This site is full of useful information for visitors and members of our community. Overlooking the village, the monument was unveiled on 23 July 2007.

Visitor information for Helmsdale, null including accommodation, things to do, attractions, events and food & drink. Helmsdale, on the east coast of Sutherland, was built on golf, herrings and salmon!

Helmsdale's history goes back centuries before the construction of Helmsdale Castle in 1488. The castle's main claim to fame was as the location of the poisoning of the 11th Earl of Sutherland in 1567 by his aunt, Isobel Sinclair, to clear the way for her own son to become Earl.

Helmsdale is situated on the furthest north-easterly point of the County of Sutherland. We're on the main arterial road to the north, the A9. Nowadays Helmsdale benefits from the many visitors the world-famous North Coast 500, or NC500 brings.

Helmsdale is a fishing village in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, about two hours by road or rail north of Inverness. In 2011 its population was 764. The name derives from Norse Hjalmundal, the "Dale of the Helmet".

The perfect place for fishing enthusiasts, history buffs and outdoor adventurers, explore at your own pace and discover the wonders of Helmsdale. Historic Helmsdale, however, has been a key location in the Highlands for industry, trade and exploration since the Viking Age.

Here at Strath Ullie we recommend utilising the Helmsdale website as it is a fully comprehensive guide for people wishing to visit the Helmsdale area. Containing information on all aspects of the Village including places to stay and things to do with links to …

Find out more about the history of Helmsdale and the surrounding area. Read the origins of the name ‘Helmsdale’, the norse battles, the highland clearances and more. Read more...

Heritage and Art Institution in Helmsdale, Scottish Highlands with local and planetary ambitions to use culture for social change. 8 March 2025