Banff

Banff, Scotland

Banff, ancient royal burgh (town), Aberdeenshire council area, historic county of Banffshire, northeastern Scotland. It is a North Sea port and lies on the western bank of the River Deveron opposite its sister town, Macduff, to which it is connected by a bridge (1799). By the 12th century Banff was a thriving member of a league of Scottish ports. Its castle (the remains of which still exist), built originally as a defense against Viking raids, was then a royal residence and the town a royal burgh, whose charters date from 1163, 1324, and 1372 (still extant). Duff House, the town’s architectural showpiece, was designed by William Adam (c. 1735) and presented to the burgh in 1906. Local industries include fishing, brewing, distilling, food processing, and tourism. The area is well known for its golf courses. Banff is the historic county town (seat) of Banffshire. Pop. (2001) 4,160; (2011) 4,080.