In a heartbreaking development, a body has been found in the search for Jenny Hastings, the wife of former Scotland rugby international Scott Hastings. The body was discovered in the Hound Point area of South Queensferry on Saturday afternoon, as confirmed by police. While formal identification has yet to be completed, the Hastings family has been notified, and it is believed to be the missing woman.
Jenny Hastings disappeared on Tuesday from Wardie Bay, a popular wild swimming spot near Edinburgh. The police have stated there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal. The location of the body, Hound Point, is a rocky outcrop and marine terminal approximately five miles west of where Mrs Hastings went missing.
The search efforts were extensive, with HM Coastguard being alerted to a “report of concern” on the day of her disappearance. Lifeboats and helicopters were deployed to scour the area in a bid to locate Mrs Hastings. The family later released a statement revealing that she had struggled with her mental health for many years, a fact that her friends and the public had come to know through her openness about her struggles.
“The Hastings family are absolutely heartbroken,” read the family’s statement. “Jenny and Scott have a huge following of friends from all walks of life, including those that work in the media, and we ask that at this moment in time, we are allowed to grieve privately with family members.”
Scott Hastings, who is the younger brother of former Scotland rugby captain Gavin Hastings, represented Scotland 65 times as a centre between 1986 and 1997. His wife, Jenny Hastings, 60, was known for her candid discussions about mental health, having previously shared her own experiences with depression. In 2017, she went missing for 36 hours and walked to the Pentland Hills before seeking help at a police station, praising the officers for their support.
The couple later used their platform to advocate for mental wellbeing through their 100 Streets Challenge, a charity campaign that encouraged people to get active and improve their mental health through exercise. Their work touched many lives, promoting a message of hope and resilience.
This tragic news has undoubtedly shaken the community, with many expressing their condolences and remembering Jenny Hastings for her bravery and advocacy in mental health awareness.
The Hastings family’s tragic experience highlights the ongoing challenges many face with mental health issues. For those seeking support or more information on mental health resources, organisations such as Mind UK offer invaluable guidance and assistance to those in need.
[Image Credit:William Starkey]
