Popular GP dies in paddleboarding tragedy on Scots river

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A popular GP has died in a paddleboarding accident in Scotland’s fastest flowing river.

Dr Julia Hamilton, 57, lost her life after getting into difficulty while on the River Spey, near Aviemore.

The married mother-of-two was a senior partner at Whitefriars Green Practice in Perth.

Patients and staff yesterday told of their devastation at her death as they paid tribute to a ‘well-loved colleague and friend who was devoted to the care of her patients’.

A keen outdoor enthusiast, Dr Hamilton’s practice said in a statement: ‘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, 57, was a senior partner at Whitefriars Green Practice in Perth

It is unclear how Dr Hamilton got into difficulties, but patients who logged onto the GP surgeries website yesterday were told of the tragic news.

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 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.’

In the statement staff said they were ‘grieving for a dearly loved colleague and friend’ and urged patents for their understanding while they ‘navigate this difficult time together’.

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

She had been a registrar with the Perthshire practice, and in 1994 joined the Whitefriars Street surgery as a partner.

Dr Hamilton was the clinical lead for hypertension, chronic kidney disease and prescribing.

The senior medic, along with another GP at the surgery, was supervising fourth year medical students in the practice.

Having graduated from Queen’s University in 1990, her online biography said she was married with two children.

She enjoyed outdoor activities including running and skiing.

As well as her colleagues, patients of the well-respected medic have paid tribute to the ‘one in a trillion’ doctor.

Emma Ferguson said Dr Hamilton was a ‘GP like no other and will always in my eyes be remembered for her unique sense of humour, particularly her compassion for me as her patient in her practice when I really needed her and my residents when I was a care home manager’.

Ms Ferguson said: ‘To say I’m shocked is an understatement, I’m totally numb and it feels like a dream.

‘One thing I have been left with is such amazing memories that I will treasure forever.’

And Beth Arfaoui said Dr Hamilton ‘always went above and beyond’.

She added: ‘My heart does out to all of her family and friends, also her colleagues at the Green Practice.’

The River Spey, near Aviemore in the Cairngorms, where the tragedy happened

Just before midday on Friday there was a huge emergency service response after Dr Hamilton got into difficulty while paddleboarding on a section of the River Spey.

Police, ambulance and fire crews were called to the scene, just south of Aviemore near the Kinrara Estate, but despite their best efforts Dr Hamilton died at the scene.

First Minister John Swinney, who is MSP for Perthshire North, yesterday 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 spokesman said: ‘Around 11.45am on Friday, May 31, we were called to a report of concern for a woman on a paddleboard in the River Spey, near to 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.’

Whitefriars Green Practice said from today there would be a book of condolence in its reception for patients wishing to leave messages.

Its spokesman said: ‘We know this will be a great comfort to her family.’