Heartfelt tributes have flooded in for a 'truly lovely' missing Scots woman after a body was found in the search for her.
Devastated loved ones expressed their condolences for Mairi Mackay after cops looking for the 61-year-old made a tragic discovery on the shore of Loch Linnhe near Fort William shortly before 9am on Sunday, December 18.
Mairi was reported missing on Friday, December 16, after disappearing from the Caol area of Fort William. Officers have informed Mairi's family of the discovery after formal identification took place this afternoon.
Mairi's bereft son, Dave Allan Mackay, led the touching messages on social media to his mother, saying he was 'lost for words' but that he was comforted by the fact she would now be 'flying high' with his late father.
He wrote: "I'm just lost for words. I don't know what to say or do my head’s going a million miles an hour. Can’t thank the police and the coastguards enough for everything they have done. And thank you everyone for all your kind comments means a lot. Rest easy mum, you're flying high with dad now."
Rachel MacLugash responded: "We are so sorry to hear this David and so sorry for your loss. Thinking of Helen and you at this heartbreaking time. Your mum was an absolute gem."
Claire Wynne seconded: "Heartbroken to hear this sad news. I will so miss meeting you and we never parted but without a smile. Rest in peace lovely lady."
Karen Marie said: "I’m so, so sorry to hear this. Mairi was a lovely lady. We got our husky Star from her and she always asked after Star and how she was doing every time I seen her. Just so sad."
Alison Mcdonald commented: "I'm sorry to be hearing this such sad news. Heartfelt condolences to all the family. I've known Mairi all my life, I was really hoping for a good outcome but sadly it has not been one. RIP Mairi."
Rachel Thomson added: "So sad to read this. Mairi was a truly lovely person and she will be missed by many. Thinking of her family."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Police received a report that the body of a woman was found on the shoreline of Loch Linnhe, south of Fort William, around 8.55am on Sunday, 18 December, 2022.
"Formal identification has taken place and we can confirm it is Mairi Mackay, 61, who was reported missing from the Caol area of Fort William. Her family have been made aware.
"The death is being treated as unexplained but is not believed to be suspicious. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
