Police have confirmed a body found during a major search operation is that of missing north-east man Graeme Leslie.
Mr Leslie, 62, was reported missing from his home in St Cyrus last week after last being spotted in the Dundee area on July 14.
An extensive search was launched across the north-east and areas of Tayside, with officers urging residents to check sheds, garages or other outbuildings for signs of activity.
On Saturday, police cordoned off a wooded area of St Cyrus following the discovery of the body.
Officers were seen carrying out a forensic investigation at a stretch of ground behind public toilets in the village.
Following formal identification, police later confirmed the body is that of Mr Leslie.
Inspector Megan Heathershaw said the thoughts of officers are “with Mr Leslie’s family and friend’s at this very sad time.”
She added: “Following our appeals for information, numerous members of the public got in touch to assist with information.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank these people for their help.”
Mr Leslie, an ex-serviceman, is understood to have last spoken with his family on July 14.
He was later spotted at his Scotstoun Place home on July 17 but despite several subsequent reported sightings, police were unable to make contact with him.
Mr Leslie had been suffering from facial injuries sustained shortly before his disappearance and had been due to appear at Forfar Sheriff Court in relation to another matter.
He and his wife, Margaret Ann, received local notoriety after both were arrested just hours after tying the knot in Montrose last September following an incident at an off-licence.
Police are not currently treating Mr Leslie’s death as suspicious but no further information surrounding the circumstances are available at this time.
A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
