Wendy Taylor was a grandmother-of-two (Picture: PA/Alamy Live)

A 57-year-old grandmother who was swept away by a Scottish river during Storm Babet earlier this week was a ‘ray of sunshine’, her family has said.

The body of Wendy Taylor was recovered from the Water of Lee in the Glen Esk area of Angus at around 4pm on Thursday, shortly before the red rain warning came into effect.

In a statement released through Police Scotland, her 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.’

They added: ‘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.’

The body of 57-year-old Wendy Taylor was recovered from a Scottish river on Thursday.