A body has been found in the search for a missing woman who worked as a teacher at a Stanmore school for almost four decades.
On Thursday, July 25, Police Scotland announced that a body had been found less than 24 hours after Ruth Betts, 64, was recorded as missing.
The retired biology teacher at North London Collegiate School (NLCS), who was also a hillwalking enthusiast, had left her Fort William hotel on Wednesday morning and failed to return that night.
In an email sent out to alumni and parents, NLCS headmistress Vicky Bingham said: “Our particular thoughts are for Ruth’s family at a time of profound grief.
“As well as being a creative and inspiring teacher of biology at NLCS from 1981 until 2019, Ruth led countless Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and loved the natural world.
“She was a popular and highly respected colleague and many members of the community will be devastated to hear the news of her death.”
A former pupil at North London Collegiate School said in tribute: “Mrs Betts was sharp-witted, quick on her feet and suffered no fools.
“Even when a whiteboard was installed in her classroom, Mrs Betts continued to use a projector. She was old-school, but thorough and trusted, and for that reason she was immensely respected.
“Outside of biology, she led the Duke of Edinburgh programme. There are many former students – particularly students of colour for whom trekking was not a recognisable family activity – who only learned to read a map because Mrs Betts taught us.
“She was like a ninja, jumping out of bushes to check we weren’t cheating.
“It’s been eight years since I left the school and Mrs Betts was one of the teachers who defines my memories of that era, and I know many others for whom the same is true. In honour of Mrs Betts, we will fry sardines over campfires for the rest of our lives.”
Former pupils who would like to send a card of condolence to Ruth’s family are invited to contact the Alumnae Office.
Photo credit: Police Scotland, Aberdeen Guardian, North London Collegiate
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