Tributes have been paid to Scots man who will be "dearly missed" after he died when his kayak capsized on a Scots river.
Stuart Bailey, 51, has been named locally following the tragic incident, which happened on the River Spey near Fochabers in Moray at around 4.45pm on Sunday, July 17. Emergency services raced to the river but Stuart, from Tomintoul in Moray, was pronounced dead at the scene, surrounded by his devastated pals.
Following the news, his heartbroken family and friends have paid tribute to the "great guy" who will be "dearly missed" by all who knew him. Raising the alarm on Stuart's personal Facebook page, his family wrote: “Dear friends.
"It is with great sadness to inform you that yesterday at 4pm 17th of July 2022, Stuart Bailey tragically lost his life in a canoeing accident on the Spey River where he was surrounded by friends.
“We are sending love to all of his friends and family during this shocking time, this is a great loss for all and he will be dearly missed.”
Mark Thomson commented: “I’m so sorry for your loss, he was a top man and a friend. RIP Stu x.”
Barry Sharpington said: “Absolutely heartbreaking. Loved Stuart, he was a good friend to me. Deepest condolences to all his family.”
Fergus Mckay said: “This is terrible, I’m so sorry. So many great childhood memories of being 'led astray' by my big cousin...”
John Leaney said: “Am gutted, he was a great guy and had lots of great times with him . RIP buddy xx”
Micky O’Brien said: “Such sad news! He was a top lad.”
Meanwhile Dan Turner said: “Very sad news, Stuart was a top bloke. RIP” and Alex Heighes added: “RIP big man.”
Police say their enquiries into establishing the full circumstances surrounding the tragic incident remain ongoing.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were called around 4.45pm on Sunday, July 17, to a report of a capsized kayak on the River Spey near Fochabers.
“Emergency services attended and a 51-year-old man was recovered from the water and pronounced dead at the scene.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
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