Searches are continuing for a Scots mum who was swept away in a swollen river as she tried to save her beloved dog during stormy weather.
Hazel Nairn was last seen in the water at the River Don, near Monymusk, Aberdeenshire, on Friday afternoon as the region was battered by heavy rain.
The 71-year-old is believed to have been walking a dog when tragedy struck and she ended up being washed away. Police are continuing their efforts to find the beloved grandmother with the specialist Dive and Marine unit drafted in to help.
Inspector Andrew Meikleham said: “Police are continuing to carry out searches and enquiries to trace 71-year-old Hazel Nairn, who was last seen in the water at the River Don, near to Monymusk around 3.05pm on Friday, 18 November.
“The searches are being carried out in and around the area where Hazel was last seen. “Local officers and search advisors are being assisted by a number of specialist resources including the Dive and Marine Unit, Air Support Unit and police dogs.”
A candlelight vigil, dubbed ‘Hope for Hazel’ was held at Monymusk Parish Church on Sunday evening as heartbroken community members came together.
Rev Euan Glen, who led the event, previously told the Record: "Hazel is well-liked so we are expecting a fairly big crowd this evening.
"We are going to hear some music then everyone in the church will be invited to light a candle in the hope for Hazel to be found. We will then hear one of her favourite pieces of music, which incidentally is Candle In The Wind.
"There will then be a short prayer and a period of quiet reflection. She is well-known - it's been a very sad time for everyone in the community."
Local MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, Andrew Bowie, said: "The deep sadness everyone is feeling right now for Hazel is, I know, nothing to that being felt by her closest friends and family in and around the Monymusk community."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
