Banff

Banff is situated on the Moray Firth Coast at the mouth of the River Deveron, the towns history dates back as far as the 12th Century when it was one of the towns in the 'Northern Hanse' which was a group of burghs with trading rights. Its attractive location close to sands, the sea and the beautiful Vale of Deveron made Banff a favourite setting for the houses of the 17th and 18th century, the town has many fine buildings from this period many of which have been skilfully restored and conserved. The great glory of the town is its wealth of Georgian Buildings, because of them the town has been designated as an Outstanding Conservation Area.

Duff House

Duff House is situated on the outskirts of Banff designed and built by William Adam for William Duff of Braco, later Earl of Fife. The House is a magnificent early Georgian mansion. The House was originally intended as a fitting residence for the ambitious Earls of Fife. The Fife estates were sold off in 1906 and given to the town by the Earl of Fife in 1956, the house is now open as a Country House Gallery of the National Galleries of Scotland. The House contains a fine collection of paintings, furniture, tapestries and artefacts. It is certainly impressive with its square towers on either side of four Corinthian plasterers and a statue filled pediment. There is plenty of walking to do with the mansions picturesque wooded grounds and parkland.

Banff Today

Today Banff harbour is a quiet haven for private yachts. Banff is one of the sunniest and driest towns in Scotland. It has an excellent choice of places to stay and shops which includes a choice of antique shops to browse around. The towns two community centres have table tennis and other sports facilities. Banff also offers bowling, Duff House Royal Golf Club which plays over a very fine parkland course built on the gravel terraces of the River Deveron, a modern indoor swimming pool, angling which is a popular pursuit and Banff Museum in High Street.