Helmsdale

📌 Village in Highland
★★

Helmsdale’s small size belies its regional importance: its population of well under a thousand still makes it the largest settlement in the great swathe of coastline and countryside between Brora to the south, Wick to the northeast and Thurso to the north. The village first grew up as a resettlement location for evicted inland crofters during the notorious Highland Clearances, with its big harbour once home to one of the world’s largest herring fleets. Find out about all this and more in the excellent Timespan Museum, which also hosts community events. A wander along the banks of Helmsdale River signposted from the main square is well worthwhile, as is the climb up to the Emigrants Statue close to the A9 for extensive views over the village and strath.