Ice House, Helmsdale

This is an ice house built in 1824. It is a large, single-chambered structure vaulted and built into the side of a slope, constructed of coursed rubble with ashlar dressings. The north-facing front has a wide, curved, and coped frontage with a centrally placed door, and a slightly later, small, shuttered window to the right. Projecting wing walls enclose a small semi-circular court, which is bounded by a coped rubble wall. A wide entrance is marked by plain gate piers and simple cast-iron double gates. The roof is turf covered, and an ice chute is located at the rear. The ice house was built at a cost of $100. It is one of several similar ice houses found at Brora and Little Ferry. Correspondence from James Loch to the Countess of Sutherland dated 25th September 1824, held within the National Library of Scotland's Sutherland Papers (Department 313/111/ Box 24), provides further details.