Five things to do in or around Macduff
Located 47 miles from Aberdeen and with a population of 3,910, Macduff is an attractive, coastal town on the north coast of Banffshire on the Moray Firth. Steeped in history, the town was established as a major fishing port with the construction of its harbour in the late 18th century. We take a look at five reasons why Macduff is not only popular with tourists, but an idyllic and downright charming place to live.
1) Troup Head Nature Reserve
Filled with breathtaking views, the high cliffs of Troup Head provide a spectacular setting for Scotland’s only mainland gannet colony. There are also thousands of kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills, along with several other species, including puffins. You may even be lucky enough to see porpoises, minke whales or dolphins offshore.
As well as the stunning scenery, keep an eye out for the various types of birds as each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm. Something to see in all seasons!
Until 28th June, the reserve is holding ‘Gannets galore’ walking tours to see the sights, sounds and smells of the amazing Scotland Troup Head nature reserve. Extra tip: Don’t forget binoculars! And a hat!!
2) Macduff Marine Aquarium
Situated on the stunning Banffshire Coast, overlooking Scotland's largest bay, the Macduff Marine Aquarium 4-star visitor attraction is a great day out. Realistic displays allow you to get close to hundreds of local fishy characters, from toothy wolf fish to wobbly jellyfish. See divers hand feed the fish, get a feel for seashore life at the touch pools, enjoy talks, quizzes and feeding shows and discover the shark nursery.
The living kelp reef in the deepest central exhibit is the only one in Britain and the aquarium’s expert divers regularly hand feed the fish. The feeding schedules vary daily, so get booking your ticket, then schedule lunch breaks around the fish feeding times!
3) Royal Tarlair Golf Club
The North East of Scotland is renowned for its rugged beauty and the course at Royal Tarlair is no exception. Situated outside the town, 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.
A cliff top parkland course which certainly presents a challenge for the more serious golfer, and offers enjoyable golf in an ideal setting for the not so serious, Royal Tarlair was built on land which ends on precipitous cliffs so lost balls really are lost!
4) Duff House
Famously known to be one of Scotland's hidden gems, Duff House is home to an art gallery that displays a superb collection of Scottish and European art, including important works by Raeburn and Gainsborough. Built between 1735 and 1740 as the seat of the Earls of Fife, it was designed by William Adam and bears similarities to another Adam masterpiece, Hopetoun House near Edinburgh. The building also houses the Dunimarle Library with a rare collection of over 4000 volumes.
In the house, you can find a stunning collection of paintings and furniture, and there are plenty of walking opportunities in the parkland of the surrounding area and, if that’s not your cup of tea, you are bound to find one that is, in their relaxing and traditional tea room, offering a variety of refreshing teas and herbal infusions as well as cakes and fresh soups- a perfect way to break up your day.
5) Doune Church and the War Memorial
Doune Church dates back to 1805, and gets its name from the original name for the village – Doune.
The village was renamed to Macduff in 1783, after the landowner for the area, Duff.
Nearby to the striking church, which saw a major rebuild in 1865, is a war memorial.
The seven-sided tower has an interior staircase to reach a viewing platform at the top.