BANFF, (sometimes written, more conformably to the pronunciation, BANIFY), a royal borough, and the principal town of Banffshire, is situated on a rising ground near the influx of the Doveran into the Moray Firth. It is supposed to have derived its name from the district Boin, or Boyn, an opinion which is rendered probable by the old orthography Boineffe. It unites with Cullen, Elgin, Inverury, and Kintore, in sending a representative to the Impe rial Parliament. The charter of the borough was granted by Robert II. in 1372, and afterwards con firmed by James VI. and Charles II. The tradition that the town was erected into a royalty by Malcolm Canmore is not supported by any evidence. Part of the ancient castle of Banff still remains. It was a constabulary under the hereditary government of the Earls of Buchan. The municipal government of the town is under the direction of a provost, four bailies, and twelve counsellors. The population is about 3000.
Banff is generally considered by strangers as a very neat town. There is a fine bridge of seven arches over the Doveran. A very handsome church, ca pable of containing 1500 persons, was built in 1790, and, besides this established place of worship, there are three chapels, or meeting-houses, for persons be longing to the episcopal and catholic communion, and for the adherents of the church of relief. A town-house with an elegant spire was built in 179S, and at the same time a new prison was constructed on the principles recommended by Howard. In 1786, an academy was substituted in place of the public schools for the different branches of education.
This seminary is superintended by a rector, assisted by four other masters, who teach Latin, Greek, French, geography, arithmciic, book-keeping, and the different elementary branches of mathematics, &c. A charity school was also established a few years ago. There arc several private English schools, and two female boardiag•schools. Besides a circulating library, well furnished with the best authors, there is a society of gentlemen who are making a good collection of hooks. The poor arc liberally provided for from the public funds, and a great number of the lower classes have formed themselves into friendly societies. The week ly market, held on Friday, is amply supplied with provisions. The manufactures most deserving of no tice are thread, linen, stockings, soap and candles, brewing, ropes and sails, bricks and tiles. The Bank of Scotland and the Aberdeen banking corn- E parry have agents at Bang, who transact business to a considerable amount annually.
The salmon fishing on the Doveran produces a great yearly revenue to Lord Fife and the other pro prietors. The harbour of Banff was finished in 1775. The principal exports are salmon, cod, and ling, but ter and cheese, meal, barley, oats, &c. Imports, iron, wine, spirits, salt, &c. The number of vessels in 1798, was 22,—tonnage, 1913,—seamen, 137. West Long. 2° 3.5', North Lat. 57° 41'. Distance from Edinburgh 165 miles. (4-)