SCOTLAND rugby legend Scott Hastings’ wife went missing while wild swimming in Edinburgh.
Here’s everything we know so far about the disappearance of Jenny Hastings.
Jennifer Hastings, 60, disappeared while swimming in the Firth of Forth off Wardie Bay, Edinburgh on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
A massive search was launched involving a helicopter, police, ambulance and coastguard crews.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said they received a “report of concern” at around 2.45pm on September 3.
The search was ended at 8.20pm that evening, despite the best efforts of the rescue teams involved.
Police are treating the disappearance as a “high-risk missing persons case”, it is understood.
In 2017, Jenny opened up about disappearing for 36 hours while suffering with depression.
She told the BBC: “I just had to get away from everyone.
“I felt I was in everybody’s way and I needed to have some time away myself without telling anyone.
“I didn’t want to be in contact with anyone.”
Scott added: “The way she gets out of the low periods within her life is actually to get out and get fresh air.”
Jenny and Scott both became ambassadors for charity Support in Mind Scotland in 2016.
They launched the 100 Streets Challenge to help people boost their mental health through activity — it aimed to get people exercising with friends and families to stop them from being alone.
Jenny said of the challenge: “I know I can talk with people and maybe that’s one of the messages we are trying to get out.
‘We all can talk with people. The stigma is definitely breaking down — even the Royals are talking about mental health.”
Scott is one of Scotland’s greatest ever rugby players, winning 65 caps for the national side, making him the country’s most-capped player ever at the time of his retirement — this has since been overtaken by Ross Ford.
His brother Gavin is widely regarded as one of the best Scottish players of all time, and his nephew Adam also represents the country.
Jenny’s devastated family have now said she is presumed dead after the search.
A statement released by the Hastings family said: “It appears that she wished to end her suffering in what was a regular and healing place for her.
“She loved the water but unfortunately her mind was not in a place of safety.
“The Hastings family are absolutely heartbroken. We miss our Jenny.
“She leaves a gaping hole in all our hearts and hope that she is returned to us safely so that we can celebrate her remarkable life.”
