Body found in search for wife of Scotland rugby star Scott Hastings

A body has been found in the search for the wife of Scotland rugby star Scott Hastings after she went missing at a wild swimming spot in Edinburgh.

Police Scotland confirmed the body of a woman was found in the Hound Point area of South Queensferry on Saturday around 3pm.

Formal identification has yet to take place but Jenny Hastings’ family has been informed, the force said.

Mrs Hastings failed to return after going for a swim in Wardie Bay in Edinburgh on Tuesday afternoon.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it received a “report of concern” at about 2.45pm, and a helicopter, coastguard rescue teams, lifeboats and other nearby vessels all took part in a search.

A multi-agency operation was launched in the search for a woman reported missing while swimming in the Firth of Forth. STV News

However the agency said the search failed to find anything, and was called off at 8.20pm that evening.

On Friday, Mrs Hasting’s family had said they were “absolutely heartbroken” at the news, adding that Jenny had “struggled with her mental health for a number of years”.

The family said her disappearance was being treated by the police as “a high risk missing person case”.

A statement continued: “We miss our Jenny. She leaves a gaping hole in all our hearts and hope that she is returned to us safely so that we can celebrate her remarkable life.”

It was signed “Scott, Corey, Daniel, Kerry-Anne & Ian”.

Floral tributes have been left at Wardie Bay following the news of Mrs Hasting’s disappearance.

Change Mental Health, a charity which Jenny was an ambassador for, said: “We are deeply saddened by the news about Jenny Hastings. Jenny and her husband, Scott, have been close to us at Change Mental Health, serving as ambassadors for our cause for many years. Their dedication to raising awareness about mental health has made a real difference.

“At this very difficult time, our thoughts are with Scott and their family. We kindly ask that their privacy be respected as they go through this period.”

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Around 3.20pm on Saturday, September 7, 2024, the body of a woman was found in the Hound Point area of South Queensferry.

“Formal identification is yet to take place but the family of missing woman Jenny Hastings has been informed.

“There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

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