The King’s representative in Perth and Kinross has led tributes to a popular local grandmother who died tragically during Storm Babet.
Wendy Taylor, 57, whose farming family run Taylors Snacks at Errol, was swept to her death on the Invermark estate in Brechin on Thursday.
Stephen Leckie, the Lord-Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross, was among the many people expressing condolences.
The Crieff Hydro boss said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Wendy Taylor, who was swept into the Water of Lee at Glen Esk on Thursday.
“Our thoughts are with her husband George and their children James, Sally and Susanna and grandchildren India and George.”
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney said Mrs Taylor would be remembered for her kindness and wisdom.
He said: “I am terribly saddened to hear of Wendy’s passing, and my thoughts are with George, her family and friends during what will be a hugely difficult time.
“Wendy was an influential and much-loved figure in the Perthshire business community. Her loss will be felt acutely by all those who knew her both professionally and personally.
“Wendy was known her kindness and her wisdom. I hope that the outpouring of good wishes from the public will provide some comfort to her family.”
Local councillor Angus Forbes said the Taylor family did a lot to support the Errol community and residents .
“The Taylor family are well known, and well liked, across the Carse of Gowrie,” he said.
“They’re a really decent business, and a really nice family.
“They are always very supportive of the community around Errol, particularly the school.
“My thoughts are with Wendy Taylor’s family after this horrific accident. I know a lot of local people would want to share their condolences too.”
Mrs Taylor was named by police on Sunday.
Her body was recovered on Thursday afternoon after she was swept into the river during a break on the Invermark estate in the Angus Glens.
Her husband George set up the Taypak potato business.
However, the Taylor family have farmed in the Carse of Gowrie for around 100 years.
They started producing crisps in 2009, making the famous Mackie’s brand from their Errol factory.
The crisps were recently rebranded as Taylors Snacks.
Mac Mackie, chairman of Mackie’s of Scotland, said: “We were deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Wendy; she was a dear friend to many of us at Mackie’s.
“Wendy had an infectious personality and brought a tremendous amount of energy and commitment to every aspect of her business and life.
“From one extended family to another, our thoughts are with the Taylor family at this difficult and sad time.”
Vicki Unite, chief executive of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are devastated by the death of Perthshire businesswoman Wendy Taylor after she was swept away at Glen Esk during Storm Babet.
“She helped take the Perthshire family business to great heights, enabling it achieve global recognition while retaining its local base, and they were a former recipient of our Excellence in Export Business Star Award in 2013.
“Our condolences go out to her family at this sad time.”
Mrs Taylor was Wendy Forbes before her marriage.
Her family are behind the Forbes of Kingennie resort in Angus.
Her parents, Cindy and the late Graham Forbes, farmed at Kingennie, before their son Mike developed it into a visitor attraction.
Her father also co-founded East Coast Viners.
‘Beloved wife, best friend and soulmate’
In a statement released through Police Scotland, Mrs Taylor’s 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.”
A woman who died following an incident at the Water of Lee, Glen Esk can been named as Wendy Taylor.
Read more – https://t.co/1Gq0VM1Wda pic.twitter.com/b2JUVXlas5
— Police Scotland (@PoliceScotland) October 22, 2023
The statement went on: “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.”
Wendy Taylor was ‘beautiful inside and out’
Hundreds of people took to Facebook to express their condolences.
Many said they knew Mrs Taylor personally,
Vicki Young wrote: “So shocked and heartbroken to hear this. I had the pleasure of knowing Wendy. Such a beautiful woman who always made me laugh.”
Lorraine Law posted: “So sad to hear this news, I’ll always remember her coming to see me in my shops. Lovely lady.”
And Sandra Brown said: “The saying ‘beautiful inside and out’ was made for Wendy.
“What a lovely, lovely lady who, with her engaging personality, made people laugh. A huge loss.”
Conversation