Helmsdale Pier

 

Scenes on the Coasts of Sutherland and Ross

Helmsdale Pier

Inverness Courier 27 January 1841 Part B

"It was towards the close of a successful fishing season, that we were sauntering one fine sunny morning, upon the long pier of Helmsdale, amidst the debris of barrels, brine, splintered oars, old canvass, ropes, and all the et ceteras of the fishermen, which usually hamper the wharfs of a northern sea-port town". 

Boats in Helmsdale Harbour C1900

Fishing Boat in Wick After the Catch

"The fishing boats, but few of which had gone to sea, were lying half-a-dozen deep from the jetty, and gently rocking, as the turmoil of waters upon the bar sent long heaving undulations into the harbour; and the crews, in their huge sea-boots, and souwester hats, were lying listlessly between the thafts, rolled up in the coarse barked sails, or loitering in groups upon the shore". 

A fisherman preparing a line. Cromarty C1910 Am Bailie photo Willie John Smith

Dutch Sea Captain.

" Half-a-dozen Dutch vessels were loading along side of the quay, their square heavy mould, massive timber, and elaborately carved and painted hulls, contrasting with the lighter proportions of the Scotch and Irish shipping which lay along side of them. There was seemingly little doing. The Dutchmen lounged about, and puffed away with their long Delft pipes, or hung over the taffrail, listlessly angling with a tiny rod and line for the cuddies that glanced as they shot about in the deep clear water below". 

Men sitting on the quayside at Helmsdale old harbour C1930s

"The women, whose unenviable duty was packing the fish, had given over work, and, with bared arms and tucked up dresses, bespangled with herring scales, were chatting in parties as they sat upon the piled up barrels and coils of rope". 

Herring Gutters Am Bailie

 "Mingling, however, with the seamen and fishermen, were groups whose appearance bespoke the hills rather than the ocean – men with broad bonnets and plaids, and followed by their watchful shepherd dogs: and women in the usual homespun habiliments of Highland females".

The Shepherd by Henry Kerr

 "We saw at once there was something unusual going on, and a little inquiry proved us right. An emigrant ship lay at Cromarty, and a large party from the upland parts of the strath were on the point of embarking to join her. We ourselves were bound for Tarbetness: we could easily get a nook in the boat, and trust to the chapter of accidents for a landing at the Point. At all events we determined to join the expedition – the boatmen were speedily found, and preliminaries as speedily adjusted".

To be continued...