Your typical terrain is important consideration and if by Aberdeenshire, that means the Cairngorms, then that's rocky & rough terrain.
I've used Sarpa Chamonix Gortex boots for a long time.
I walked the length of the Pyrenees in a pair. 8 weeks. The sole was stiff, but had a pronounced curve, which gave great support and allowed easy walking.
Sadly they're not available now, so I've moved to La Sotiva Gotrex boots.
My theory is that the Mountaineering market is bigger and more established than the Stalking market, so if your Stalking in the mountains buy boots designed for Mountains.
M.