Police Scotland has released a picture of a rare boot as part of their investigation into the identification of a woman's body discovered off the coast of Iona. The body was found on 23 September 2025, approximately five miles west of the island, and evidence suggests she had been in the water for about four to six weeks. Forensic analysis in Scotland, throughout the UK, and even in Europe has yielded no leads regarding her identity, and her death is currently being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.

The woman is described as white, between 45-60 years old, approximately 6 feet tall, and of medium build, with no tattoos or visible scars. Upon recovery, she was reportedly wearing black walking-style trousers and size 8.5 Meindl walking boots, which are especially notable due to their rarity. Police hope that public awareness of the unusual footwear might assist in identifying the woman and revealing the circumstances surrounding her untimely death.

This case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement when identifying deceased individuals, especially when conventional forensic methods do not provide answers. The significance of the case is underscored by the ongoing investigation and the effort to identify the woman and notify her next of kin, emphasizing the city's commitment to addressing unexplained deaths responsibly and with sensitivity for the families involved.