Strath of Kildonan facts for kids
The Strath of Kildonan, also called Strath Ullie, (Scottish Gaelic: Srath Ilidh), is a wide valley in the north of Scotland. It is located in an area called Sutherland. This valley stretches from Helmsdale towards Kinbrace in a north-westerly direction.
Contents
History of Strath of Kildonan
Highland Clearances in the Strath
In 1813, a big change happened in Scotland called the Highland Clearances. During this time, many people were asked to leave their homes. Landowners wanted to use the land for sheep farming instead of for people.
In Strath of Kildonan, about 50 to 60 local men planned to stop this. They wanted to ambush some workers from the Sutherland Estate. These workers were helping to move people out of their homes.
The estate workers heard about the plan beforehand. Even so, the local men chased them. A historian named James Hunter said it was like how clans used to fight.
Another group of estate workers was caught by about 100 people in the Strath. These workers were mostly shepherds. The crowd let them go, but told them not to come back. Their leader was warned never to show his face in the Strath of Kildonan again.
The Kildonan Gold Rush
In 1869, something exciting happened: gold was found in the Strath! Local farmers, called crofters, and other people looking for gold started digging. This became known as the Kildonan Gold Rush.
Many people tried to find their fortune. However, after a while, it became too hard to find enough gold to make money. So, the gold digging stopped.
Later, the local economy faced tough times. Because of this, crofters started digging for gold again. By 1886, this led to more disagreements with the Sutherland Estates.
Geography of the Strath
The River Helmsdale flows through the Strath of Kildonan. This river is also known as the River Ullie. It flows down the valley and into the sea near Helmsdale.
The A897 road runs along the strath. The Far North Line railway also follows the valley. The Kildonan railway station is located about halfway along the strath.
