Norse settlers called the strath Hjalmundal, meaning Dale of the Helmet, from which the modern village name Helmsdale is derived.

On his return home, the Duke of Sutherland gave him permission to pan the gravels of the Helmsdale River, and he prospected all the burns and tributaries.

[9] During the Second World War, the Royal Air Force (RAF) built Loth Chain Home radar station at Crakaig, a few miles south-west of Helmsdale.

On 3 August 2008, Highland Council announced plans to modernise and catalyse[clarification needed] industry in Helmsdale and its surrounding areas.

The King met railway workers, representatives of Helmsdale Community Council and members of Sutherland Schools Pipe Band.

He afterwards laid flowers at Helmsdale War Memorial to mark its centenary and met veterans and members of the local community.

Buses operate about every two hours from Monday to Saturday and infrequently on Sundays from Helmsdale to Brora, Golspie, Dornoch, Tain and Inverness in the south and Berriedale, Dunbeath, Halkirk, Thurso and Scrabster in the north.

Facilities in Helmsdale include an independent youth hostel, a heritage centre, an art gallery, and an inn.