A woman who died after a paddleboarding accident in the River Spey has been named as a senior GP in a practice in Perth.
Police were called to reports of concern for a woman on a paddleboard, near Aviemore, at around 11.45am on Friday.
A 57-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
She has since been named as Dr Julia Hamilton, a senior partner at Whitefriars Green Practice in Perth.
The surgery put a statement up on their website, stating the news of Dr Hamilton’s death was a “great shock”.
It read: “We, as a practice, are deeply saddened to inform you of the tragic sudden death of our senior partner, Dr Julia Hamilton, on Friday, May 31, 2024 due to a paddleboarding accident on the River Spey. Dr Hamilton was an outdoor enthusiast and her family have derived great comfort that she passed away doing something she loved in a place that was very special to her.
“Dr Hamilton had been a partner in the practice since 1994 and was a well-loved colleague and friend who was devoted to the care of our patients.
“We appreciate this news, as it was to us, is a great shock to you all. We are in the process of contacting patients who have an appointment with Dr Hamilton and would ask that you await us contacting you directly as opposed to contacting the practice yourselves.
“There will be a Book of Condolence in the reception foyer from Tuesday, June 4, and any patients wishing to leave a message are very welcome to do so. We know this will be a great comfort to her family.”
Mr Swinney – the local MSP – said: “I am terribly sorry to read this news and extend my sympathy to the family, colleagues and patients of Dr Hamilton.”
The statement from the practice said: “Dr Hamilton was an outdoor enthusiast and her family have derived great comfort that she passed away doing something she loved in a place that was very special to her.
“Dr Hamilton had been a partner in the practice since 1994 and was a well-loved colleague and friend who was devoted to the care of our patients.
“We appreciate this news, as it was to us, is a great shock to you all.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Around 11.45am on Friday, May 31, we were called to a report of concern for a woman on a paddleboard in the River Spey, near to Aviemore.
“Emergency services attended, however the 57-year-old woman died at the scene.
“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and inquiries are ongoing.”
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