150 turn out to vigil for missing woman Hazel Nairn as police search continues
Hazel hasn't been seen since being swept away by the River Don on Friday
Last updated 21st Nov 2022
Around 150 people turned out at the 'Hope for Hazel' vigil on Sunday evening, which involved prayers, music and lighting of candles for the much-loved Monymusk grandmother.
Searches are continuing for the 71-year-old, with the Dive and Marine Unit, Air Support Unit and police dogs all assisting local officers.
Hazel Nairn was last seen at around 3.05pm on Friday near the River Don.
Family 'touched' by vigil
Minister of Monymusk Parish Church, Euan Glen, says the sheer number of people that attended the ceremony was moving for Hazel's family.
"I know the family were very touched by the large number of people of all ages, from children to, old age pensioners, gathered just to pay their wishes and hope that Hazel could be found.
"She's not been in the community that long - it's just a number of years since she moved here - but she's involved herself with a number of activities.
"Her family said to me that they were not quite overwhelmed, but they were so moved by the huge amount of respect that was shown by the community for their mother.
'She always had a smile on her face'
"We had to put extra candles out.
"It was done with such dignity and quiet that it was It was quite moving just to watch it, and then at the end of the service, the family went up to the communion table just to see all the candles lit.
"It was it was quite moving at that point, but there wasn't many tears, there wasn't any outpouring of grief.
"It was simply people wanting to gather to support family and to support each other during that time of uncertainty and sadness."
"She was well, well loved, and she always had a smile on her face.
Police search continues
Inspector Andrew Meikleham has confirmed that searches are continuing in Moneymusk.
He said: "We are continuing to carry out searches and enquiries to trace 71-year-old Hazel Nairn, who was last seen in the water at the River Don, near to Moneymusk around 3.05pm on Friday, 18 November.
"The searches are being carried out in and around the area where Hazel was last seen.
"Local officers and search advisors are being assisted by a number of specialist resources including the Dive and Marine Unit, Air Support Unit and police dogs."