Loth & Kildonan Parishes

Today Loth & Kildonan are nearly as one - many places previously shown as Loth parish later became known as being in Kildonan. 'The railway proceeds eastward from Brora for a little over two miles, and enters the parish of Loth near Kintradwell. The parish church stands about two miles to the east of the railway station. The church lands of Loth seem in olden times to have been divided between the of Clyne and Kildonan. A short run, passing the villages of Garty-More and Wester Helmsdale, takes us to the station of Helmsdale on the opposite side of the river to that on which the village stands. The river is crossed by a well-built bridge of two arches. The appearance of this town, which was founded so late as 1818, reflects the greatest credit on the industry and cleanliness of its inhabitants'. (Tourists' Guide, 1883, Hew Morrison)

Burial Grounds:

Loth & Kildonan parishes contain the following burial grounds:
Loth Churchyard, Kildonan Churchyard, Navidale Burial Ground, Helmsdale Cemetery, Ach na H'uai, Strath Kildonan; Achness, Strath Kildonan; Altanduin, Strath Kildonan & Kinbrace, Strath Kildonan
All have been photographed and transcribed and are available to view. For details of how to view in Burial Ground section.

See also:

Recommended Further Reading:

  • Some Helmsdale Memories, by J R D Campbell, published by Timespan Heritage Centre, Helmsdale, ISBN 0 9532843 0 1 - available from Timespan and local bookshops. Includes many fascinating facts including description of early funerals when whisky was 16 shillings a gallon!
  • The Duke of Sutherland’s Memoirs - contains a full list of all those who made a contribution to the Duke's statue in 1834
  • Statistical Accounts of Sutherland
  • Ministers & Men of the North - can be read on the internet

Interesting websites

Things to do:

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