Established in 1818 as a fishing village, Helmsdale was part of a wider development of herring fishing communities across the Highlands during that period. Today, the harbour remains a central feature of the village, with several active fishing vessels based there, maintaining its character as a working harbour.
Harbour boundary area
All waters below the level of MHWS commencing from the A9 bridge over the River Helmsdale and following the level of MHWS via the North shore to:
- Latitude 58° 06.765' N, Longitude 03° 38.585' W; thence in a SW'ly direction for a distance of 290 metres to
- Latitude 58° 06.765' N, Longitude 03° 38.757' W; thence in a ENE'ly direction for a distance of 470 metres to:
- Latitude 58° 06.865' N, Longitude 03° 39.186' W on the level of MHWS, thence following the level of MHWS to meet with the A9 road bridge over the River Helmsdale.
Resources available
- 14,640 litres of fuel oil storage
- Waste oil reception facilities
Facilities
- Toilets
- Showers
Vessels permitted
- Fishing vessels
- RNLI
- Customs cutters
- Fishers protection vessels
- Leisure
Out of hours service by arrangement with the Harbour Master
Maximum vessel sizes permitted
Vessels up to the length of 110ft can be berthed on NW quay over 2 berths. Vessels over 110ft are unable to turn into berth after coming through entrance. All berths dry out at spring tides. Vessels with draught over 4ft take the bottom. Maximum draught is governed by depth in approach channel. (Amount of silting governs the depth in approach channel; height of SE swell also restricts vessel draught in approach channel).
Safe anchorages
Anchorage, sheltered against winds from between SW and NW, can be obtained 5 cables SE of the harbour entrance in 12m. The holding is good but there is a possibility of the anchor fouling on large rocks.