Macduff

The port of Macduff lies opposite Banff at the mouth of the River Deveron. Originally known as the sea 'toune' of Doune, the settlement's name was changed to Macduff in 1783 by James Duff, Earl of Fife who built a harbour there. Macduff took over the fishing trade of the older settlement of Banff and became a significant herring port in the 19th century.

Macduff Shipyards is one of the few remaining shipbuilding

and repair centres in North East Scotland and is a significant local employer.

Wooden as well as steel-hulled vessels are still constructed at the shipyard.

This is complemented by other facilities such as the clifftop Royal Tarlair Golf Club. The golfer must not miss the 13th Hole, "The Clivet", which is probably one of the most memorable holes in the North East of Scotland

The course commands panoramic views of the coastline with the village of Pennan made famous by the film "Local Hero" only a few miles from the clubhouse.

The Macduff Marine Aquarium is a key local tourist attraction and is one of the most popular in Aberdeenshire, regularly attracting over 56,000 visitors annually.

Macduff is within easy reach of the magnificent Castle Trail with a selection of eleven of the world's most unique scottish castles.

The town originally known as Doune was renamed Macduff in 1783 by James Duff the 2 nd Earl of Fife. The name means ‘son of Dubh' (the black haired one). Macduff Marine Aquarium is well worth a visit, boatbuilding in wood, steel and aluminium continues in the busy fishing harbour. Wonderful Parish church dominates the skyline .

To the east of the town coastline at Tarlair is rugged but beautiful. Coastal trips east to Troup Head (Gannet colony, puffins and guillemots Gardenstown, Crovie and Pennan are available and west to Portsoy on the Puffin are available at the harbour, www.puffincruises.com look out for dolphins and Minke whales. Tee off at Royal Tarlair Golf club which follows the rugged coastline or go west across the bridge to Banff.