THE local community was in shock this week after a body was discovered near to local landmark, Ardrossan Castle, on Tuesday morning.

A heavy police presence around the castle grounds and surrounding area saw all of the main access points being cordoned off as investigations were carried out. The Mountain Rescue team were in attendance as locals started to gather, curious as to what had happened.

Around 5.30pm last night (Tuesday) police confirmed that the body of a man had been discovered.

Inquiries are continuing to establish if the discovery is linked to the disappearance of an Ardrossan man. John Watt, 53, of Glasgow Street, was last seen around eight weeks ago and was reported missing by a care worker.

There have been extensive searches carried out by the local police as well as assistance from the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team.

Ayrshire Police Division put out a re-appeal for information on their Facebook page yesterday morning and a police spokesperson said at the time: “We are concerned for the safety and wellbeing of Mr Watt - he has not been in touch with family or friends which is out of character. We would appeal to anyone who was seen him recently or has any information as to his current whereabouts to contact police.” A spokesperson for Police Scotland: “We can confirm that around 11.15am on Tuesday, September 30, the body of a man was discovered at Cannonhill Park, off Glasgow Street in Ardrossan. Enquiries are continuing to establish the identity of the man.”