Police have launched an investigation after the body of a man in his 20s was discovered beside a Moray river.
The deceased, who has not been identified, was spotted down an embankment by a passer-by along the River Isla about a mile south of Keith.
Police are treating the death as “unexplained” but say there are “no apparent suspicious circumstances”.
It is not known how long the body had been at the spot before it was found on Wednesday night and police say that work is ongoing to trace the man’s next of kin.
A blue tent remained in place around the body yesterday and officers have maintained a presence at the scene over the past two days.
The area near the Brandy Burn is popular with dog walkers and dozens were turned away last night as a cordon remained in place around the spot.
It is understood that the body was at the foot of a 150ft embankment, which is lined with trees.
Detective Chief Inspector, Matt Mackay, said: “There has been a police presence in the area and police activity will continue.”
One witness added: “Where the body appears to be is at the bottom of a very steep cliff-face, of about 150ft and nobody seems to have any indication as to who this poor guy is.”
Officers were first called to the scene at 7.20pm on Wednesday.
Police have asked that anyone with information which could prove helpful contact them on 101.
The River Isla, a tributary of the River Deveron, flows for 18 miles and forms the boundary between Moray and Aberdeenshire for a short distance.
