Two separate major Tayside search and rescue operations for missing pensioners affected by dementia ended in joy and tragedy at the weekend.
A 72-year-old Dundee woman was reunited with her family on Saturday morning after spending seven hours in freezing and snowy conditions before being spotted by a helicopter’s thermal imaging system.
Ann Brash had wandered from her home in Claverhouse, sparking a search that initially involved police, firefighters and concerned neighbours.
Her husband Bob (73) said: “If it hadn’t been for the helicopter I don’t know what would have happened to her. ”
Mrs Brash, who had only been wearing indoor clothes and slippers, was treated for suspected mild hypothermia and detained overnight in Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital.
The Sea King helicopter crew was then diverted to Arbroath where they searched unsuccessully for missing Arbroath man Edwin Gillespie, whose body was found later on Saturday near Whiting Ness.
The former Merchant Navy Seaman had been missing from his home since 11am the previous day.
Mr Gillespie’s daughter Edwina Barraclough said: “He was very dear to us. It’s a very difficult time for us all.”
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