Iona: Police release image of 'unusual' boot amid probe to identify woman found off Scottish island

The woman’s body was found on September 23 last year - but she has still not been identified five months later despite “extensive enquiries” by the police.

Police said enquiries had been carried out locally as well as across the UK, Europe and other countries including Canada and the Faroe Isles.

The woman’s death is being treated as unexplained, but is not believed to be suspicious.

The police said evidence suggests that she had been in the water for approximately four to six weeks before she was found.

The woman is described as white, and is believed to be between 45 and 60-years-old, 6ft in height, and of medium build.

She had 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 walking boots.

Police have now released an image of one of her boots, which are from a German boot manufacturer called Meindl.

Officers said they were only sold by two retailers in the UK and are now discontinued.

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.”