Kildonan Gold Rush

Small amounts of gold had long been discovered in the Kildonan area.

Public interest was sparked, and a gold rush started, following a newspaper announcement in 1868 of the results of Robert Nelson Gilchrist's more systematic search for gold.

[1] The gold rush proper began in January 1869.

[2] At this stage those searching for gold stayed in Helmsdale or more ad hoc accommodation near the Kildonan burn including the old Kildonan Church.

[2] Two small towns, Baile an Or (Scottish Gaelic: Baile an Òir "town of gold") and Carn na Buth (Scottish Gaelic: Càrn nam Bùth "hill of huts") were built to accommodate the prospectors.