A missing woman who was swept into a Scots river as she tried to save her dog has been named locally as the community plan to hold a candlelight vigil in the hope she will be found.
Hazel Nairn, who is in her 60s, is still missing two days after emergency services were called to the River Don at Monymusk in Aberdeenshire. Hazel is reported to have been out walking her Westie named Rory when she got into difficulty in the water amid horror weather conditions at around 3.05pm on Friday.
Searches are continuing today and the worried community will come together for a 'Hope for Hazel' vigil at Monymusk Parish Church from 6.30pm. Rev Euan Glen 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."
The horrifying incident unfolded at the River Don while severe flood warnings were in place across Aberdeenshire.
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."
Inspector Roy Campbell said: “Officers, along with colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the coastguard, have resumed searches in the area where the woman was last seen.
“Conditions are tricky and dangerous and I am appealing to members of the public to stay away from flooded areas. Please be careful when you are out and about.”
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