Woman who died in River Spey paddleboarding incident named as tributes paid to ‘dearly loved’ doctor

A woman who died in a paddleboarding incident on the River Spey has been named as a ‘dearly loved’ doctor.

Dr Julia Hamilton, 57, passed away after getting into difficulty in the water south of Aviemore near Kinrara Estate 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.

“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 Julia Hamilton was ‘a well-loved colleague and friend’

“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.”

Dr Hamilton was born in Northern Ireland and studied medicine at Queen’s University in Belfast.

After joining the Perth surgery, she became the clinical lead for hypertension, chronic kidney disease and prescribing.

According to the Whitefrairs Green Practice website, Dr Hamilton was married with two children and enjoyed outdoor activities including running and skiing.

The Facebook statement added: “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.

“We are working hard to continue to provide our usual high level of patient care but would ask for your understanding if you are perhaps not able to see the GP of your choice as soon as you would like whilst we navigate this difficult time together.”

A book of condolences will be made available in the practice foyer from Tuesday.

Charity pays tribute to ‘admired and valued’ volunteer and board member

Away from her work, Mrs Hamilton devoted her time volunteering and working with the Vine Trust.

The international charity works with long-term Peruvian and Tanzanian partners to strengthen the health system and create construction projects in isolated and vulnerable communities in the Amazon and on Lake Victoria.

Over the years, Mrs Hamilton volunteered her time, supporting ventures both in the UK and on Lake Victoria in Tanzania.

Earlier this year she joined the Trust’s Board and Medical Committee.

In a statement, posted on social, Trust members paid tribute to a “much loved, admired and valued” volunteer and friend.

They wrote: “We are deeply saddened to inform our volunteers and supporters of the heart-breaking news that Vine Trust Board member, Dr. Julia Hamilton/McLean, was involved in a fatal accident on the River Spey on Friday.

“Before joining the Vine Trust Board and Medical Committee earlier this year, Julia was already a much-loved, admired, and valued volunteer both in the UK and in Tanzania, participating in several expeditions to support the development of the Jubilee Hope Medical Programme on Lake Victoria.

“Julia’s voluntary work was driven by her Christian faith and a profound appreciation of the dignity and value of others. She demonstrated a real passion for helping those she served.”

They added: “Julia will be greatly missed by all at Vine Trust who had the privilege of knowing her, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this incredibly difficult time.”

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.”