Banff

Banff population 3,900; Macduff population 3,800      Family links: Duff On the Moray Firth Coast, approx 45 miles/72km north of Aberdeen and on the A98, part of an attractive alternative route between Aberdeen and Inverness   Twin towns on either side of the Deveron estuary. Banff was the winter seaside retreat for the gentry from the country, who gave the town some lovely Georgian buildings and a tradition of arts and culture. Macduff was once a spa resort, but is now much more a working fishing port. Each has its own style and atmosphere, as well as shops and a wide range of cafe's, restaurants, pubs, hotels and takeaways for coffees/lunches etc both in the town centres and outskirts (including Duff House), and for pre-booked group lunches. Largest hotel (Banff outskirts) has 30 twins/doubles and singles for group accommodation.   Practical info: Main A98 passes through Macduff; from A947, turn north at east side of River Deveron. Banff is on main A98/A947 (join at the bridge). Drop off in Macduff at Aquarium or harbour; in Banff in High Street or Seafield Street (both on A98). Free public toilets at harbours; toilets also at St Mary’s Car park Banff (charge;20p coin required). Coach parking in Greenbanks car park, east outskirts of Banff by football stadium and store. In either town, allow 1½ hours for shopping/coffee/ looking at buildings/harbour; longer if lunch stop included and/or attraction visits. It is usually practical to drop off some pax at Duff House, others at Aquarium and return for them. Most shops close for lunch 13.00-14.00 (1-2pm) and on Wednesday afternoons.   What’s unique? Macduff Marine Aquarium with open-air tank Duff House, premier outstation of the National Gallery of Scotland (Banff) Superb Georgian architecture in Banff Twin towns with unique setting either side of the Deveron estuary   What’s fun? Macduff Marine Aquarium – for kids and adults Boat trips for wildlife watching (dolphins & porpoises), diving etc – North 58Ëš Golf at Duff House Royal (Banff) and Royal Tarlair (Macduff) courses Sea fishing Events including the Deveron Music Festival and Banff/Stavanger Yacht race What else to do? Duff House – stately home visit, art gallery and wonderful walks in the estate Explore Banff’s superb restored Georgian (1700s) architecture/buildings – wall plaques give good interpretation (English only) Beach and cliff walks – Banff Links and Macduff/Tarlair Events such as the Banffshire Show, Vintage Car Rally and Portsoy Small Boat Festival Where to eat A wide selection of pubs, small hotels and restaurants cater for individuals and groups of all sizes, including:   Waterfront/harbour Highland Haven, Macduff (01261) 832408 max seating approx 60 (rest)  + 40 (bar) (Closed following fire, due to reopen during 2006; call fro more info) Waterfront Hotel, Macduff (01261) 831661 max seating 46 Town Centre County Hotel, Banff (01261) 815353: max seating 35 (rest) + 25 (bistro) Barclays Hotel, Banff (01261) 812494: max seating 70 Carmelite House Hotel, Banff (01261) 812152: max seating 25 Coffee Pot Broken Fiddle Cafe©, Banff (01261) 818302: max seating George Ellis Coffee Shop, Banff (01261) 812404: max seating 20 Bruce Scott’s Coffee Shop, (01261) 815039: max seating 34 Outskirts Duff House, Banff: (01261) 818181: max seating 44 Fife Lodge Hotel, Banff (01261) 812436:  max seating 36 + 220 Banff Springs Hotel: (01261) 812881: max seating 250   Where to stay Groups: Banff Springs Hotel has 30 doubles/twins and singles Also a range of small hotels, Guest Houses, B&Bs and self catering for individuals, families and small groups   Practicalities – loos & parking   Coach drop off/pick up Duff House Banff, Macduff Marine Aquarium, golf courses Town Centres: ??   Coach parking Duff House Banff, Macduff Marine Aquarium, golf courses (free – for visiting groups only?) Town centres: St Mary’s Car Park, Banff; Greenbanks Car Park (at east entrance to Banff, by football stadium and store)   Car parking Duff House Banff, Macduff Marine Aquarium Town centres: Banff Car Parks: St Mary’s, Greenbanks; Macduff: Trinity. Also car parking at both harbours   Toilets St Mary’s Car Park (20p coin required, no change available), Duff House, Banff and Macduff harbours (Free, 08.30-15.00)   For More Information Visit Main Website www.banff-macduff.com/ See also www.banffshirecoast.com