Tributes to Perth GP who died in paddleboarding accident

Tributes have been paid to a 57-year-old GP who died while paddleboarding on the River Spey.

Dr Julia Hamilton, a senior partner at the Whitefriars Green Practice in Perth, was described by colleagues as an outdoor enthusiast and a "well-loved colleague and friend".

Emergency services were called to the Kinrara estate between Aviemore and Kincraig at about11:45 on Friday following reports of a woman in difficulty.

Dr Hamilton died at the scene.

Writing on Facebook, Whitefriars Green Practice 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 31st May 2024 due to a paddle boarding 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.

"We know you will understand that this is a difficult time for all those who are associated with the practice who are grieving for a dearly-loved colleague and friend."

Fire crews and coastguard teams were called to the stretch of the river which is difficult to access by road.

A police spokesperson said: "There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and inquiries are ongoing."

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it sent two appliances and other specialist resources to the area.

A spokesperson said: “Before our arrival, our emergency service partners confirmed we were no longer required as one female casualty was already in the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service."

Dr Hamilton, a mother of two, studied medicine in Belfast before joining the practice in Perth in 1993.

Alongside her work specialising in family planning and women's health, Dr Hamilton supervised fourth year medical students in the practice.