Macduff

The fishing port of Macduff is situated on the Moray Firth at the mouth of the River Deveron opposite Banff, 47 miles north of Aberdeen. Macduff originally known as the 'sea toune' of Doune. The town was designated a Burgh of Barony in 1528. Economic growth came in 1783 when James Duff, Earl of Fife built a harbour and changed the settlement's name to Macduff. Construction for the harbour commenced in the 1770s. The first basin was created in 1783 and by 1791 there were two basins, east and west. The harbour was in the ownership of the Duff family until 1898 when it was transferred to Macduff Town Council. Macduff outgrew neighbouring Banff and took over the fishing trade of Banff and by 1880, could boast over 100 boats and ten curing houses.

Macduff Harbour

The Herring industry began in Macduff in 1815, since then fishing has been the main livelihood and today it is still a busy harbour and fishing is still the major industry, reputedly the best in the Moray Firth. The Harbour lies at the heart of the town. Macduff took over the fishing trade of the older settlement at Banff on the opposite side of the bay. The local Macduff shipyards construct steel hulled fishing vessels as well as the traditional wooden boats which are constructed in the boatyard at the West End of the harbour. Around 40 boats mainly operate and land at larger ports but return to Macduff for repairs and maintenance. The harbour has a enclosed fish market which sales are conducted at, when local supplies are available.

Macduff Today

Today, Macduff has facilities for a wide range of sports including golf, fishing, bowling, tennis, squash and sea angling. The Macduff Marine Aquarium is a new major attraction at Macduff, which opened in April last year. It is situated on the shores of the Moray Firth. The main attraction is the central tank which contains more than 40,000 litres of seawater, it is the deepest tank in Scotland. It is positioned right in the centre of the building and open to the sky. The natural daylight allows the growth of the kelp. There are many giant specimens in the tank, lobsters, crayfish, cod, ling, wolfish and pollock. A wave machine operates continuously and dive displays take place in this exhibit. Macduff is an excellent place for touring the spectacular coastal cliff scenery and the beautiful countryside.