Badbea (pronounced bad-bay) is a former post-clearance village perched on the steep slopes above the cliff tops of Berriedale on the east coast of Caithness, Scotland. Situated around 5 miles (8 km) north of Helmsdale, the village was settled in the 18th and 19th centuries by families evicted from their homes when the straths of Langwell, Ousdale and Berriedale were cleared for the establishment of sheep farms.Built on an extremely steep hillside it was reputed that stock and children had to be tethered to stop them being blown over the high cliff edge.
The last resident left the village in 1911 and a monument was erected by the son of former inhabitant, Alexander Robert Sutherland, who had emigrated to New Zealand in 1839. Today, the ruins of the village are preserved as a tourist attraction and memorial to the Highland Clearances.
Categories
Settlement
Opening Times
Always open
Location Information
Area: Caithness East
OS Grid Reference: ND 086196