Dr Julia Hamilton: Tragic death of NI-born GP in paddle boarding incident on Scotland's River Spey

Tributes have been paid to GP from Northern Ireland, killed in a paddle boarding tragedy on Scotland's fastest flowing river.

Dr Julia Hamilton, who was a keen runner and skier, ran into trouble on the River Spey, near Aviemore during a weekend trip. The family of the NHS Scotland doctor, who is from Lurgan, say they found comfort in the fact that she died doing something she loved.

The 57-year-old had studied medicine at Queen’s University before she moved to Perth in Scotland as a GP trainee where she married her husband Stewart and had two children, Sarah and Matthew.

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She was a partner at Whitefriars Green Practice in Perth, which confirmed her death in a Facebook post following an incident on Friday afternoon, the Mirror reports.

The practice said in a statement: "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 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.

"We are in the process of contacting patients who have an appointment with Dr Hamilton and would ask that you await us contacting you directly as opposed to contacting the Practice yourselves.

"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.

"We appreciate this may be frustrating but kindly ask that you treat all staff working in the Practice with respect as they continue to work at this very sad time.

"There will be a Book of Condolence in the reception foyer from Tuesday 4th June and any patients wishing to leave a message are very welcome to do so. We know this will be a great comfort to her family."

One local tribute described Dr Hamilton as "a truly wonderful and inspiring person", adding: "She was full of enthusiasm, and passion. She was compassionate and kind. She was a volunteer for Vine trust and volunteered in Tanzania.

"She had a great sense of fun and humour and very wise .She was the sort of person who always made you feel better after talking to her. She had a great Christian faith and radiated the love of Jesus."

Dr Hamilton is survived by her husband Stewart, children Sarah and Matthew, brother Keith, sister Andrea, Dad Jim and family circle.

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney chimed in with his own tribute to the thrill-seeking mum. He said: "I am terribly sorry to read this news and extend my sympathy to the family, colleagues and patients of Dr Hamilton."

A Police Scotland 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 be any suspicious circumstances and inquiries are ongoing."

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