Timespan, Helmsdale: A Bold Blend of History, Art and Community on the Edge of the Highlands

Located in the heart of Helmsdale, Timespan Museum and Arts Centre is one of the most unique cultural venues in the Scottish Highlands. Perched beside the River Helmsdale, this award-winning centre seamlessly blends local history, contemporary art, and community engagement, creating a thought-provoking space where the past and present speak to one another.

Whether you’re travelling the North Coast 500 or spending time in Sutherland, Timespan offers a rich and often moving insight into the lives, landscapes, and legacy of this remarkable part of Scotland.

Step into the Past: Museum and Heritage Gallery

At the heart of Timespan is its heritage museum, which tells the story of the Helmsdale area—from its geological beginnings to the present day.

• Explore exhibits on the Highland Clearances, with deeply personal stories of displacement and resilience

• Learn about herring fishing, crofting life, and the gold rush that drew prospectors to the Strath of Kildonan in the 1860s

• A recreated croft house and traditional shop offer a window into daily life in the 19th and early 20th centuries
  It’s a powerful and accessible introduction to the social and economic forces that shaped the Highlands.

A Contemporary Creative Hub

Timespan also operates as a contemporary art space, hosting exhibitions that engage with themes of land, climate, identity, and social justice.

• Artists from around the world exhibit alongside local creatives, offering cutting-edge perspectives rooted in place

• Programmes often highlight environmental concerns and decolonial histories, challenging visitors to think beyond the romanticised view of the Highlands

• Events, screenings, and residencies provide fresh and evolving conversations throughout the year

River Café and Gift Shop

No visit is complete without stopping at the River Café, which serves:

• Homemade soups, cakes, coffees, and light lunches using local produce

• Outdoor seating with views over the river and historic Telford bridge
  The adjoining gift shop stocks local crafts, books, and unique souvenirs, including works by artists featured in Timespan’s gallery.

A Vital Community Anchor

Timespan is more than a visitor attraction—it’s a community-led organisation deeply engaged with local activism, archives, and education. The centre supports:

• Oral history projects, archival research, and storytelling events

• Youth programmes and climate action initiatives

• Public talks and film nights that bring together local voices and global ideas