The family of Hazel Nairn are “anxiously” waiting for more news after being told remains had been found in the River Don.
The 71-year-old was swept away after the river burst its banks on November 18, 2022.
Mrs Nairn had been trying to return to her Monymusk home with her Westie, Ruaridh, whose body was found a few days later.
A largescale rescue mission was launched by the emergency services but it was scaled back in early 2023.
Her family, friends and the community have gone on to organise their own searches over the past 18 months.
On May 7, police confirmed remains had been found in the water near Kemnay – only a few miles from Monymusk.
A spokesperson said: “The remains of a woman were recovered from the River Don near Kemnay, Inverurie, around 1.20pm on Tuesday, May 7.
“Formal identification has yet to take place but the family of Hazel Nairn, 71, who was last seen near to Monymusk on Friday, November 18, 2022, have been informed.
“The death is currently being treated as unexplained but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”
‘Very anxious’ wait for family of Hazel Nairn
Mrs Nairn’s family received a call from police that day to let them know what had been found.
They were told a post mortem and DNA test would have to be carried out to confirm if they belonged to the grandmother.
However, three weeks later they still have no answers.
Mr Nairn’s daughter, Anneka Gray, told The Press and Journal the whole family are “waiting anxiously” for more information.
She said: “We have had so many lovely messages and we thank everyone for their kindness.
“We’ve also been asked about funeral arrangements and how we must be at peace now my mum has been found, but we are not anywhere near that yet.
“We haven’t got confirmation what was found belongs to her.
“We as a family, all her old colleagues and friends just want my mum to be treated with the respect she deserves and to know the truth about that horrendous day.”
Police continued to search the area after the remains were found but the family were “upset” to hear this was called off after just three days.
Last week, volunteer divers from Beneath the Surface made the journey from Lancashire once again to continue the search in the area.
Diver Phil Jones and his team previously led a search on the first anniversary of Mrs Nairn’s disappearance, and have continued to support the family since.
