Warm Reflections from the Summer of 1976 on a Cold Winter's Night

1976 was not a normal year. Those of you old enough will recall the standpipes in the streets, the reservoirs empty and the ground cracking. 1976 was one of the driest, sunniest and warmest summers right across the UK since records began.  It was also the perfect summer for our annual summer holiday in Helmsdale.

Our family has a long association with the village of Helmsdale. Our grandparents and many cousins lived in and around the area. So returning there was a welcome break from the pace of life in the South of England. However in those days finding somewhere for the extended family to stay was always a challenge. Over the years we stayed in all sorts of places and it was these experiences that led us as a family to look for somewhere where we could stay and enjoy and make available to friends and relatives. That path took us to Valhalla.

My memories of those few weeks in ’76 include spending so many days on the wonderful beach at Loth (at Crakaig – down through the farm and under the railway bridge minding the gate, sheep  and the pot holes – when rejoining the main road be very careful). It was one of those summers were suncreams were an absolute must. The air is so clear, UV’s so strong and with a gentle cooling breeze off the sea you burn very easily. And even though it was a record breaking year the North Sea is still the North Sea. There are the hardy types and then there are wimps like me. Gentle immersion was a form a torture – a quick run and a dive was the best way to go swimming.  Luckily there is plenty of space for group activity and cricket, rounders and a convoluted form of pitch kept us all busy.

On those days when a change of scenery was required we would go to Loch Brora picnicking at the scout camping ground and swim in the (warm) loch. Then with periodic visits to Bad Bea (to help the kids realise just how lucky they were), panning for gold in the burn at Baile-An-Or (difficult given that most burns up the Strath were very low on water) trips to Berridale and walking the length of the Crask (Loth to Kildonnan).

Trips to Capaldi's in Brora for ice cream (finest in the North) and fish and chips from La Mirage in Helmsdale was a must.

Taking the kids fishing in the harbour, walking up and over the hill at the back of Helmsdale or playing hunt the golf ball at the local 9 hole golf course meant we were never bored. As a break from the sun worship, trips to old friends in Thurso where we lived for a few years, or Wick to see other family with detours to John o’Grouts was a welcome diversion. It was the summer you thought (and hoped) would never end. Certainly my first born seemed to enjoy those moments of contemplation under the blue sky with wellie boots……