A body has been found near Bonor Bridge during a search for a missing man.
Peter Ripley was last seen on Sunday evening on Sunday afternoon and a major search operation was launched after concern grew for his welfare.
Formal identification of the body is yet to take place.
However, police last night confirmed that Mr Ripley’s next of kin has been made aware.
In a statement a police spokeswoman said: “Police in Sutherland can confirm that sadly a man’s body has been recovered in the Bonar Bridge area this afternoon (Tuesday) during searches for Peter Ripley, who was reported missing from his home in the village on Sunday.
“Whilst formal identification is yet to take place, next of kin are aware and there doesn’t appear to any suspicious circumstances.
During the day dozens of volunteers from the village joined the search for Mr Ripley.
Teams organised by the police searched land in and around the village for signs of the missing man.
They joined various specialist search agencies who helped cover a large around the Sutherland town.
Some of the searchers concentrated on areas close to the old and new Migdale hospitals in the village, because Mr Ripley had worked at both.
The effort was supported yesterday by police and coastguard helicopters, while members of Assynt and Dundonnell mountain rescue teams also lent their expertise.
Police dog handlers and the search and rescue dogs association were also involved in the search.
The police spokeswoman added: “Partner agencies and members of the local community are thanked for their assistance with the search effort.”
Mr Ripley was last seen in the Swordale Road area of Bonar Bridge at about 9pm on Sunday.
Before the body was found yesterday afternoon police admitted they were “extremely concerned” for his welfare as he was not carrying his medication, which required to be taken daily.
