Tributes to Northern Ireland GP Dr Julia Hamilton who tragically passed away while paddleboarding in Scotland

Dr Julia Hamilton was born in Northern Ireland and studied Medicine at Queens University, Belfast.

She was a senior partner at the Whitefriars Green Practice in Perth, and was married with two children.

Emergency services were called to the Kinrara estate between Aviemore and Kincraig at about 11:45 on Friday following reports of a woman in difficulty.

Fire crews and coastguard teams were called to the stretch of the river which is difficult to access by road.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it sent two appliances and other specialist resources to the scene.

A spokesperson said: “Before our arrival, our emergency service partners confirmed we were no longer required as one female casualty was already in the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service."

A police spokesperson added: "There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and inquiries are ongoing."

In a statement on Facebook, Whitefriars Green Practice paid tribute to their colleague.

"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.

"We appreciate this news, as it was to us, is a great shock to you all.

“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.”

Her profile says she was a former registrar with the practice in 1993 and joined as a partner in 1994.

She was the clinical lead in the practice for hypertension, chronic kidney disease and prescribing.

Her special interests are family planning, women’s health and undertaking steroid joint injections.

She was also involved in supervising fourth year medical students in the practice.

Her interests included several outdoor activities including running and skiing.