Helmsdale Station Community Project, October 2013 Rail travellers will have seen the restoration work underway

at the station building with associated inconvenience for car park users. Our apologies for any difficulties you might have experienced. We trust that all major works will be completed by early November after which the car park will be restored to its original state. The work by Bell Contracts is being undertaken for Helmsdale Station CIC [Community Interest Company], a non profit making company set up in 2009 with the objectives of raising funds for restoring the listed building and developing it in a way to provide community benefit. In consultation with the Community Council and other organisations and individuals in 2010, the favoured use which emerged was self catering holiday accommodation having a special appeal to rail enthusiasts and those who do not drive, the railway station being an ideal base if travel is by public transport. Advertising would be confined to these niche markets so as not to compete with other holiday accommodation already available locally. Other community benefits included in the business plan are:
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restoration of the station waiting room for use of passengers which will include a small exhibition space where local businesses and amenities can advertise for new arrivals recreation of the original 1871 glazed panel in the end wall of the platform canopy which adds to the charm of this feature as well as giving passengers a better view of approaching trains from the shelter a 10% discount for users of the accommodation arriving by transport modes other than the private car such people being more likely to bring business to local shops, restaurants and other amenities a further 10% discount if residents offer to spend half a day a week maintaining the waiting room and the station grounds any surplus from the business will be available for maintaining the station, promoting the Far North Line and supporting cultural and public transport initiatives for local benefit

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The major restoration tasks on this Category B listed building have been: replacing the rotten floors in the downstairs rooms; applying internal insulation to the external walls - the building being of nineteenth century mass concrete with poor insulation properties; including the old ticket office as the living room of the accommodation; rewiring, including adding storage heaters; and the inclusion of a downstairs wet room intended to be of particular benefit for guests with mobility restrictions. Where achievable, original furniture and fittings are being retained and reused. Also retained are the 'secret stairs' which once led to the second class upstairs waiting room; the only room in the building which never had a fireplace. Over the winter months furnishings and fittings will be added and finishing off tasks undertaken; the first lettings will be in early spring. Before the end of 2013 the accommodation's website will be launched at www.helmsdalestation.co.uk .

When the work is complete we hope to have an open event when anyone interested will be welcome to view the restored building. Further information, or enquiries about lettings, available from the Directors: Michael Willmot (mwillmot@talktalk.net), Alastair Cook, Madeleine Ferrar, Mike Wood The Directors acknowledge with gratitude both the project funders: Highland LEADER, the Railway Heritage Trust and the Stations Community Regeneration Fund; and also a number of local agencies and businesses which have generously donated time, advice and services: David R Sutherland (surveyor), Wick Gow's Lybster Ltd Helmsdale Community Centre Local Development Officer, Helmsdale & District Development Trust, Paul Harrington Mackenzie & Cormack (solicitors), Tain Timespan Museum & Arts Centre, Helmsdale Torrance Partnership (chartered surveyors), Invergordon William Munro Construction (Highland) Ltd, Alness