A MUM who died in a paddleboarding accident has been described as "well-loved" and "devoted" in a heartbreaking tribute.
Dr Julia Hamilton, 57, originally from Northern Ireland, got into difficulty in the River Spey, south of Aviemore in Scotland on Friday.
The mum-of-two was a senior partner at Whitefriars Green Practice in Perth.
The practice said Mrs Hamilton was a “well-loved colleague and friend who was devoted to the care of our patients”.
In a statement, the surgery said: “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 due to a paddleboarding accident on the River Spey.
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“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.”
According to the Whitefrairs Green Practice website, Dr Hamilton was married with two children and enjoyed outdoor activities including running and skiing.
She was born in Northern Ireland and studied medicine at Queen’s University in Belfast.
A police spokesperson said: “Around 11.45am on Friday, we were called to a report of concern for a woman on a paddleboard in the River Spey, near Aviemore.
“Emergency services attended, however, the 57-year-old woman died at the scene.
“There are not believed to any suspicious circumstances and inquiries are ongoing.”
