Friends have paid tribute to 'a girl who everyone loved' after the body of Emma Faulds was found in a remote forest park.
Close pal Grant Butler spoke of his grief after learning that the 39-year-old's remains have been discovered near the tiny village of Glentrool on the border between Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.
He posted on Facebook : "Shine bright Emma. This is the worse possible news to hear.
"Closure for your family is the only thing that will help all of us and them, but this should never have happened to a girl who had such a zest for life, a girl who everyone loved and was the life and soul of the party.
"My thoughts go directly to her family. We all tried to bring her home safe."
His words were echoed by dozens of others who offered condolences on Grant's post.
Shaz McNeil added: "Sad news and thoughts are with her family. Least they can now put her to rest."
And Fiona Mc went on: "It’s absolutely heartbreaking. Poor Emma. Love and thoughts go out to her family and friends I was praying that while she hadn’t been found there was a chance she was still here. God bless you Emma."
Childcare worker Emma, from Kilmarnock , was reported missing on Sunday, April 28.
She was last seen alive in the village of Monkton, next to Prestwick Airport .
Ross Willox, 40, from Monkton, was charged with her murder and with attempting to defeat the ends of justice last month and is currently remanded in custody awaiting trial.
Her body was finally recovered yesterday after weeks of searching by police, who combed a massive 100 square mile stretch of rural south west Scotland popular with walkers, bikers and stargazers.
A police spokeswoman said: "On Wednesday June 12, human remains were discovered in the Galloway Forest area.
"The family of Emma Faulds has been made aware and police inquiries are ongoing."
Last month a man appeared in court charged with the murder of Ms Faulds.
Ross Willox was also charged with attempting to defeat the ends of justice on May 10 before returning to Ayr Sheriff Court a week later for a second hearing.
The 40-year-old from Ayrshire made no plea and was remanded in custody.
