The Boot

Island in Banffshire

Scotland

The Boot

Stagecoach Bluebird Macduff Bus Depot Credit: Jay T

The Boot is a small island located off the coast of Banffshire, Scotland. It is situated in the North Sea, approximately 1.5 miles east of the mainland. The island gets its name due to its unique shape, resembling a boot when viewed from certain angles.

Covering an area of around 10 acres, The Boot is mostly composed of rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops, providing a haven for various seabird species such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. The island is also home to a small population of seals, which can often be seen basking on the rocky shores.

Access to The Boot is limited, as there are no regular boat services to the island. However, during low tide, it is possible to walk across the shallow waters from the mainland. Visitors are advised to check tide times and be cautious of the treacherous currents that surround the island.

Historically, The Boot had a small settlement, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period. The island was primarily used for farming, with a few stone structures still visible today. However, the last permanent residents left in the early 20th century, and The Boot is now uninhabited.

Despite its isolated location, The Boot attracts some adventurous tourists and wildlife enthusiasts who are drawn to its untouched natural beauty and abundant birdlife. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the tranquility of a remote island and observe the wonders of the North Sea ecosystem.

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The Boot Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.670905/-2.5309164 or Grid Reference NJ6864. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Stagecoach Bluebird Macduff Bus Depot

Jay T

Macduff: a view over the harbour

Looking over the harbour from the grassy hilltop to the south, where an anchor is ... anchored, by the NJ7064 : Macduff: parish church.

Chris Downer

View towards Macduff from Banff beach

Macduff parish kirk is prominent on the hill with the unusual war memorial tower to the right.

Bill Harrison

Macduff parish kirk

Built 1805 (remodelled 1865) on a dramatic hilltop site overlooking Macduff harbour. B-listed (LB37616): Link

Bill Harrison

View of Macduff harbour from Church Street

Bill Harrison

Macduff town hall, 17 Shore Street

The Scottish baronial town hall facing the harbour was designed by Aberdeen architects Pirie and Clyne in 1884 and is B-listed (LB37634): Link

. Next door is the former Clydesdale Bank and agent's house, also B-listed (LB37635): Link

Bill Harrison

Macduff harbour entrance and lighthouse

The lighthouse dates from 1903 (Canmore record 81477: Link

Bill Harrison

Macduff harbour

The harbour at Macduff, with its ocean-going trawlers, has a totally different feel to the gentrified Banff marina on the other side of the River Deveron estuary. Here we see the smartly turned out Shekinah (registered to INV = Inverness) and the Reliance II (BF = Banff) sandwiching a rather rusty visitor from afar; the Glen Alvah from BM = Brixham (Devon).

Bill Harrison

Harbourside buildings, Macduff

Most prominent is the Old Moray Inn.

Bill Harrison

The Old Moray Inn, Macduff

Next door is a chandler and the harbour master's office.

Bill Harrison

Copious

This Lerwick boat is looking very smart. Note the blue and white Shetland flag on the bow.

Anne Burgess

Boats in Macduff Harbour

The grapevine tells me that 'Vertrouwen' is on the market, her licence and quota having been transferred to a new larger boat.

Anne Burgess

'Highland Lassie'

This is the former 'Frigate Bird' with only the hull and engine left from her days as a fishing boat. The new superstructure is of oak felled by a gale near Inverness, and was built in Inverness. She will have cabins on the top deck and in the fish hold, and will be moored at Dochgarroch on the Caledonian Canal at the north end of Loch Ness as additional accommodation for the hotel there. She will also be available for charter. See Link

Anne Burgess

'Highland Lassie'

Someone commented that from this angle, she looks like Noah's Ark! See NJ7064 : 'Highland Lassie'.

Anne Burgess

Macduff railway station (site), Aberdeenshire

Opened in 1872 by the Great North of Scotland Railway as the terminus of its line from Inveramsay, this station closed to passengers in 1951 and completely in 1961. View south at the former forecourt. The building is now used as a retail establishment. The former engine shed can also be seen on the far right of the image.

Nigel Thompson