TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved doctor who died during a horror paddleboarding accident.
Dr Julia Hamilton, 57, died in the tragic incident on the River Spey in Aviemore on Friday.
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Cops were called when she got into trouble while on the water but Dr Hamilton, originally from Northern Ireland, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Heartbreaking tributes have now been paid to the mum-of-two after her death.
Devastated colleagues at the Whitefriars Green Practice in Perth broke the news to patients and said Dr Hamilton, a keen lover of the outdoors, died doing something she loved.
They posted to the surgery’s Facebook page: “We, as a Practice, are deeply saddened to inform you of the tragic sudden death of our Senior Partner, Dr Julia Hamilton, on Friday 31st May 2024 due to a paddle boarding 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.
“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.”
Patients of Dr Hamilton were shocked by the tragic news.
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Many of them shared the message and paid tribute, with many describing the excellent treatment they had received in her care.
Scores of people described the doctor as a “lovely person” while others said she was “a GP like no other” who “always went above and beyond.”
One tribute read: “I’m saddened to hear the sad news of the passing of my own GP Julia Hamilton, she was a GP like no other and will always in my eyes be remembered for her unique sense of humour, particularly her compassion.
“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. My thoughts are with her family Until we meet again Julia, fly high you were the best and one in a trillion and more.”
Another touching message said: “Dr Hamilton always went above and beyond when dealing with me and my family. Calling to check in because she was thinking about me.
“Dr Hamilton always went above and beyond”
“My heart goes out to all of her family and friends also her colleagues at the Green Practice.
“Sending my prayers, love and thoughts as they come to terms with this dreadful tragedy and loss and try to navigate through the difficult times ahead. Rest in Perfect Peace.”
A third person wrote: “Devastating news. A great GP and a lovely Lady. Condolences to her family and colleagues at this very sad time.”
A fourth said: “It is so sad, she was a lovely lady, inside and out. She will be so sadly missed.”
Another posted: “Absolutely devastated – such an amazing doctor!”
“Julia Hamilton, she was a GP like no other”
Cops are still probing Dr Hamilton’s death but say there are no suspicious circumstances.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 11.45am on Friday, May 31, 2024, we were called to a report of concern for a woman on a paddleboard in the River Spey, near to Aviemore.
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“Emergency services attended, however the 57-year-old woman died at the scene.
“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and enquiries are ongoing.”
