Storm Babet: Man found dead in car swept away in floods named

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Peter PellingImage source, Police Scotland

A man who was found dead in his car which was swept away in flood water in Aberdeenshire has been named by police.

Officers found the body of Peter Pelling, 61, from Arbroath, on Monday after a three-day search.

Torrential rain and high winds hit north east Scotland and other parts during Storm Babet's rare red weather warning.

Mr Pelling has been described by his family as a "very kind, loyal and hardworking man".

Image caption,

A road in Marykirk collapsed during flooding

In a statement released through Police Scotland, they said: "He was a much-loved son, brother, uncle, partner and friend. Our family are absolutely devastated by this horrific and tragic accident.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the first responders and all of the emergency services teams involved in what was a particularly challenging rescue, due to the weather and environmental factors surrounding the incident.

"Their continued efforts over the past few days has been so greatly appreciated. We would like to ask for privacy while we come to terms with this incredible loss."

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances around the death and a report would be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Mr Pelling was the third person to die in Scotland as a result of the storm.

Image source, Police Scotland
Image caption,

John Gillan's van was struck by a falling tree near Forfar

John Gillan, 56, was killed on Thursday after a falling tree hit his van near Forfar.

Emergency services attended but Mr Gillan, from Arbroath, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Tributes have also been paid to Perthshire businesswoman Wendy Taylor, 57, who was swept away in the Water of Lee, Glen Esk.

Image source, Police Scotland
Image caption,

Wendy Taylor's body was recovered from the Water of Lee, Glen Esk, 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.

Perthshire North MSP John Swinney said he was "terribly saddened" at the news of Mrs Taylor's death.

The storm has also claimed two lives in England, a man in his 60s in Shropshire and a woman in her 80s in Chesterfield.

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