Talking about Sutherland Street

The programme of street talks is well underway and audiences in excess of 30 are coming back again and again to enjoy the banter and learn about the houses in Helmsdale.  The first talk focused on Shore Street and the development of the early fishing village and then proceeded with the second talk about Dunrobin Street and the early commercial development of the village in the early 1800s.  The latest talk on Sutherland Street was presented by Joan Murray, a member of our research group. 

 

 Joan has really looked into every house in some detail and was able to recount the history to each house to a captivated audience.  She informed the group that there used to be a smiddy (blacksmith) on the street in c1873, but it was gone by c1906.  She showed the group an image of a house called Valhalla, which was formerly the old police station.  A few entries from the police log book gives a fascinating insight into the life of a local bobby back in 1874.

Monday 2 March 1874

At 8 am, left my Station and patrolled the village generally during the day. Completed weekly and monthly reports. Also reported the number of men employed on the Railway between Helmsdale and County March for week ending Saturday 28th ultimo being as follows, viz; Railway Labourers 227, Masons and their Labourers 26, Platelayers 30, Wirefencers 9, Telegraph men 9, Carters 4, Joiners 2. A  total of 307 men. 

Attended the arrival and departure of afternoon trains. Called on D. Macdonald, Station Agent, Helmsdale. Called on Mary Sutherland or Fraser, Lotter, West Helmsdale and warned her according to the CC instructions anent my report of 13th and 19th Ultimo to tie up her dog or destroy it. 

Forwarded an Application for a Pedlar’s Certificate for Ian Harper aged 26 years a Hawker, presently residing at Upper Helmsdale. Patrolled the village during the evening. Attended the departure of mail coach at 8.40 pm. 

Night Duty – At 9.30 pm patrolled the village, visited the Porter and Ale House occupied by Jane Sutherland or Mackay at 11.5 pm, visited Anderson’s Inn at 11.10pm, found them regular. Returned to my Station at 11.30 pm.

The current owner of the house kindly allowed us to photograph the original windows of the cells at the rear of the house, complete with iron bars.