20th Century

During the 1920's engineering became a growing industry and the Macduff Engineering Company was a prominent force especially with the advent of the motor engine in shipping and this firm introduced and patented several new products. Boatbuilding has a long tradition at Macduff and today both wood and steel boats are being built in modern sheds with excellent slipway facilities.

Peter Anson, author and artist who settled in Macduff in 1938 was an authority on the fishermen and fishing industry of the East coast and his books "Scots Fisherfolk" and "Life on the Low Shore" contain many details of local interest.

The generosity of the Duff family did not only extend to harbour improvements. In a disposition of 1907, Duff House and the surrounding 140 acres were gifted jointly to the town councils of Macduff and Banff, although it appears that the original intention was for Macduff alone to be the beneficiary of this gift. Apart from this occupancy by the Duff family, Duff House has been home to a variety of residents during its chequered existence; hotel, private hospital, and during the Second World War, as billets for friend and foe alike. Duff House was later to come under the care of the Ministry of Works in the 1950's and now the mansion is used as a Country House Gallery under the partnership of Historic Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council.

Banff and Macduff - Enterprise North East Business Centre - 8 Low Street - Banff - AB45 1AS - Scotland, UK - Telephone: 01261 882006

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