TRIBUTES have been paid to a Perthshire businesswoman who died after being swept away in a river on an Angus shooting estate, during Storm Babet.

The body of Wendy Taylor, 57, was recovered from the Water of Lee, Glen Esk, at about 4 pm on Thursday.

Mrs Taylor was a director at the Errol-based Taylor's Snacks, previously known as Mackie's. She was also the secretary and a director of Taypack Potatoes, along with her husband George.

The Taylor family bought out ice cream producer Mackie's of Scotland's share in Mackie's at Taypack last year. The two companies had run it as a joint venture since 2009.

Mrs Taylor was reported missing on Thursday afternoon as parts of the country were hit by torrential rain and severe winds. Her body was discovered on the Invermark estate on Thursday afternoon after she went missing in the Water of Lee.

Officers said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death and a report would be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

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In a statement, released through Police Scotland on Sunday, Ms Taylor's family said they were "absolutely heartbroken" to lose her in such tragic circumstances.

They said: "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.

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

The Taylor family has farmed in the Carse of Gowrie for around 100 years and started producing crisps in 2009, making the Mackies brand from their Errol factory. Last year, the Taylors purchased the Mackie family’s shares to take full control of the business.

The crisps have now been rebranded as Taylor Snacks. Mrs Taylor’s son James is the firm’s managing director.

Her parents, Cindy and the late Graham Forbes farmed at Kingennie in Angus. Mr Forbes co-founded East Coast Viners.