Storm Babet Brechin woman killed after being swept into river named as Wendy Taylor

A woman who died after being swept into a river in Angus amid Storm Babet has been named.

The body of Wendy Taylor was found in the Water of Lee in Glen Esk at around 4pm on Thursday after reports she had become trapped in the water during the torrential conditions.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

In a statement released through Police Scotland, her family said: “We are absolutely heartbroken to lose Wendy in such tragic circumstances and are still struggling to come to terms with it. Wendy was a beautiful, kind, funny and caring person. She was a ray of sunshine for everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.

“Wendy was the beloved wife, best friend and soulmate in life to George, mother to James, Sally and Susanna and Granny to India and George.

“Our family would like to thank Police Scotland for their professionalism and sensitivity in recent days. And in particular Paul Morgan of Police Mountain Rescue for recovering Wendy.

“Thank you to all of our extended family and friends for supporting us through this indescribably difficult time.”

A total of three people, including the 57-year-old, have been killed in the storm.

On Thursday, a 56-year-old driver was killed by a falling tree near Forfar in Angus, the day before a man in his 60s was caught in a fast-flowing flood water from a brook that breached a road in Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire.

A major clean-up operation is now under way in flood-hit communities across the country.