Kildonan: The Gold Rush 1868-1870
For a short period at the end of the 1860s, Strath Kildonan, a quiet river valley which lies NW of Helmsdale, found fame when Robert Gilchrist discovered gold there. Gilchrist, a native of Kildonan, had spent 17 years prospecting for gold in Australia. On his return to Scotland, he was given permission by the Duke of Sutherland to pan for gold in the river Kildonan (now known generally as the River Helmsdale), and in 1868, a local newspaper announced that gold had been found there.
The news precipitated a 'rush', which began in earnest in 1869. However, it was short-lived, with the Duke of Sutherland bringing it to an end in 1870 when he found it was interfering with deer-stalking.
Below are two scarce images, on postcards bearing the publisher's simple details "W. McLeod."
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