Carson Shephard's uncle dubbed his nephew the 'hide and seek champion' after the missing schoolboy was found hiding under insulation in his granny's loft.
The seven-year-old was reported missing from the property where he lives with gran Jacquie McCartney, in New Cumnock, Ayrshire at 7.20pm on Sunday.
His disappearance sparked a huge search operation involving sniffer dogs and helicopters, with teams of local people joining the hunt and looking through sheds and outbuildings for the lad.
He was found by police who used heat sensors during a third search of the attic.
Uncle Alex McCartney said Carson had given the family quite a scare but they are just relieved he was found safe.
He told the Record: " “He’s the hide and seek champion. It’s just a relief for everybody.
"They found him in the loft.
“The police searched the loft three times last night.
“Then they brought the specialist team in with the heat seeking cameras and they found him lying sleeping underneath a cover.
"He is absolutely fine."
Alec told how he had gotten up for work this morning and saw his nephew's face on the news.
He continued: "I got up to go to my work this morning and I had a few missed phone calls, then I saw it on the news and I recognised the name. I couldn’t believe it.
“I abandoned work but by the time I got here they had found him.
“We’re still in shock. We’re so thankful to the local community. Everyone was really helpful, it’s so good to have your community round about you.
“At the end of the day it’s a good outcome for everybody, it’s all good.”
Police confirmed this morning that Carson had been traced 'safe and well' and thanked the local community for their tireless efforts.
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