The family of missing grandmother Hazel Nairn have urged the community not to give up hope she will be found.
Ms Nairn was swept away by the River Don as she and her dog tried to get home in bad weather on Friday.
The 71-year-old’s beloved Westie, Ruaridh, was found dead yesterday.
Just hours later, her daughter Anneka Gray – who has been out searching for her mum – captured this photo of a double rainbow over the river at Monymusk.
Her six-year-old daughter has called it “Rainbow Hope for Nana”.
Mrs Gray – who is part of a group searching the Fintray area today – urged people not to give up their hopes of getting Ms Nairn home.
“The response from the local community has been amazing,” she said.
“Everyone loved my mum and her quirky nature. She has a smile that could light up any room.”
Divers and kayakers in search
Police earlier confirmed they are beginning to move downstream towards Aberdeen, with divers and the marine unit scouring the riverbank for the pensioner.
It is understood a drone will also be used.
Mrs Gray believes farmers in the area could also be key to helping find her mum.
She said: “Farmers, especially those with land adjacent to the river, please check your fields and the river banks if it’s safe to do so.
“The marine unit are doing their best and kayakers are in the water for the next three days, concentrating on Monymusk and then downstream.
“Just please, everyone keep looking.”
A major search involving police, coastguards and fire units was launched at about 3.05pm on Friday.
Severe flood warnings were in place at the time, with the Kintore area among those worst hit when the River Don burst its banks.
FM says thoughts with Hazel’s family
Searches have been continuing for the past week, and the community has rallied together – holding a Hope for Hazel candlelight vigil at Monymusk Parish Church.
The village’s Christmas light switch on, due to take place on Saturday, has also been cancelled.
At First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood today, MSPs paid tribute to all first responders who dealt with the flooding across the north-east over the weekend.
The Scottish Government’s resilience taskforce was launched and worked with councils and emergency services to support communities including Ballater and Inverurie.
Thanking all the emergency services, first responders and voluntary groups, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of Hazel Nairn, who remains missing after the recent flooding.”
North East MSP Tess White added: “I associate myself with those remarks from the first minister, please allow me to pay tribute to Hazel Nairn, who tragically went missing during Friday’s adverse weather. As the search continues, my thoughts are with her family and the responders on the ground.”
Conversation