Police Scotland has released an image of a boot worn by a woman whose body was recovered off the coast of Iona on 23 September, 2025.
The boots are from a German boot manufacturer called Meindl and are a UK size 8.5. They were only sold by two retailers in the UK and are now discontinued so it is hoped someone may recognise the shoe.
Extensive enquiries have been carried out to identify the woman, who was found around 5 miles west of Iona, including forensic analysis in Scotland, the UK and Europe. However, these have proved unsuccessful so far.
The death is being treated as unexplained and is not believed to be suspicious.
The woman was white, believed to be around 6ft in height, aged between 45-60, and of medium build. She had no tattoos or obvious scarring from previous medical procedures.
Evidence suggests that she had been in the water for approximately four to six weeks.
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 mater 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 23 September, 2025.
