Police Release Image of Rare Boot in Bid to Identify Woman Found Off Iona Coast
Police Scotland have released a photograph of a rare walking boot as part of ongoing efforts to identify a woman whose body was discovered off the coast of Iona last year. The body was found approximately five miles west of the island on 23 September 2025, with forensic analysis conducted in Scotland, the rest of the United Kingdom, and across Europe failing to yield identification.
Details of the Discovery and Investigation
According to authorities, evidence suggests the woman had been in the water for an estimated four to six weeks before recovery. Her death is currently being treated as unexplained, with no indications of suspicious circumstances. The woman is described as white, around 6 feet tall, aged between 45 and 60 years old, and of medium build. She had no tattoos or visible scarring from previous medical procedures.
When her body was recovered, she was wearing black walking-style trousers and size 8.5 Meindl walking boots. Police highlighted that these German-brand boots were only sold by two retailers in the UK and are now discontinued, making them a potentially key clue in the investigation.
International Liaison and Public Appeal
Inspector Roddy MacNeill stated, "We are still carrying out enquiries into who this woman could be and want to return her to her loved ones. We are now liaising with other countries outside of Europe, including Canada and the Faroe Isles, to see if she could be from these areas." He added, "This boot is unusual and was rarely sold in the UK so we are hoping sharing the image may bring a lead."
Police are urging anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward. The release of the boot image aims to jog memories or provide connections that could help solve this case.
The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the woman's identity and circumstances surrounding her death.
