Notes

Abstract

A NEW attempt is being made to work the alluvial gold-field in Helmsdale, in eastern Sutherland. The existence of gold there has long been known, and some of the gold of the ancient ornaments found in north-eastern Scotland may have come from that district. The first modern attempt to work the field was in 1869, when gold was obtained in the Kildonan and Suisgill Burns, two tributaries of the Ullie, the main stream of Helmsdale. Royalty was paid on about 3000!. of gold, but the amount obtained is said to have been considerably higher. The largest nugget was found in the Kildonan Burn, and weighed two ounces. The richest alluvial deposits were in the Suisgill Burn, a higher tributary of the Ullie. This burn flows over mica schists belonging to the Moine system, which have been invaded by granite dykes. The existence of gold in this granite was recorded by Bryce in 1870. The workings were stopped at the end of 1869 owing to damage done to the fishing and the farmers. A serious effort to reopen the field is now being made by the Duke of Sutherland. Gold is being obtained, but whether it occurs in paying quantities has still to be proved.