Picture of 'rare' boot released as police try to identify woman's body found off Iona coast

A picture of a "rare" boot has been released as police try to identify a woman whose body was found off the coast of Iona last year.

The body was discovered around five miles west of the island on 23 September 2025, with forensic analysis in Scotland, the rest of the UK, and also in Europe proving unsuccessful.

Police Scotland said evidence suggests she had been in the water for around four to six weeks.

Her death is being treated as unexplained and is not believed to be suspicious.

The woman was white, around 6ft tall, aged 45-60, and of medium build, with no tattoos or obvious 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 said the German-brand boots were only sold by two retailers in the UK and are now discontinued, so it is hoped someone may recognise the shoe.

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Inspector Roddy MacNeill said: "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.

"This boot is unusual and was rarely sold in the UK so we are hoping sharing the image may bring a lead.

"If anyone has information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please get in touch with us."

(c) Sky News 2026: Picture of 'rare' boot released as police try to identify woman's body found off Iona coast