Police ScotlandA picture of rare boots has been released in a bid to help police identify a woman whose body was found off the coast of Iona last year.
The woman was discovered around five miles west of Iona on September 23, with forensic analysis in Scotland, the UK and Europe proving unsuccessful.
Evidence suggests that she had been in the water for around four to six weeks.
The woman was white, around 6ft tall, aged 45-60, of medium build, with no tattoos or obvious scarring from previous medical procedures.
A pair of boots from a German boot manufacturer called Meindl, a UK size 8.5, were recovered from the body, alongside black walking-style trousers.
Officers have released images of the shoe, which has now been discontinued and was only sold by two retailers in the UK, in the hope that someone may recognise the pair.
The death is being treated as unexplained and is not believed to be suspicious.
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 that sharing the image may bring a lead.
“If anyone has information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please get in touch with us.”
If you have any information which could assist, please contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 1564 of September 23, 2025.
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