A major investigation has been launched after the body of a 24-year-old woman was found near a popular beauty spot, just a few hundred yards from her home.
The grim discovery was made at 5.20pm on Sunday in Island Bank Road, Inverness, where flowers have now been laid as a tribute.
The young woman was named locally as Charlotte Hornby, but police have not confirmed her identity.
The area was cordoned off all day and and police and detectives scoured the area for clues.
Police issued a statement saying: “The death is being treated as unexplained.”
It is understood that Miss Hornby was on a night out in an Inverness city nightspot and was returning to her family’s flat in Dores Road, which overlooks the River Ness.
Police believe she was walking home along Island Bank Road, which is lined by a low wall.
There is a steep embankment leading down to a small burn which runs parallel to the River Ness.
The young woman was found lying in the water in the burn. It is understood police have not ruled out foul play, but are also looking at her falling ill or having an accident.
They want to speak to anyone who may have seen her with someone or walking alone in the early hours of Sunday morning.
They also want to talk to anyone who may have seen her earlier in the evening.
An initial postmortem examination has been held and a more detailed examination is expected to be carried out tomorrow.
Miss Hornby was educated at Fortrose Academy and St Andrew’s University and her parents, Harry and Patricia, run an accountancy consultancy. They live in Fortrose.
It is believed that she intended going to work for the family business at some stage.