Body is found as cops hunt for Karen
Search is called off
A body has been found in the hunt for a missing mum.
Karen Hughes, 51, has not been in contact with her family since she disappeared from home.
Police confirmed they have called off the search after a woman was found dead in a sleepy village popular with tourists and hillwalkers.
A spokesman said: “Although formal identification has still to take place, officers believe that it is Karen Hughes and her family has been informed.
“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.”
Officers launched a major search after Karen went missing earlier this week and appealed for help from the public.
Her photograph was shared thousands of times online during efforts to bring her home safe.
A woman’s body was found in accommodation in Arrochar – 30 miles from home.
Karen, a former Trinity High Pupil, forged a career in care.
She studied at Paisley’s Reid Kerr College and worked at Erskine Hospital.
Karen was last seen at home in Erskine at 7am on Tuesday.
Pals flooded social media with tributes after the discovery was announced.
William McGinty paid tribute to a woman devoted to others.
He said: “Karen Hughes was a neighbour of myself and family.
“She was quiet, respectful and an altogether lovely woman. “May she rest in peace. “God Bless her family at this time.”
Julia Barron also offered condolences for those touched by the loss.
She said: “I am devastated to hear this news . “I taught her daughter. “May God bless all the family. “There are no words. “My thoughts and prayers are with you all.”
Nicole Kerr Burgoyne hailed Karen for her work in the care sector. She said: “Uch no, Karen. “May you rest in peace. “My thoughts are with family and your colleagues, who I know will miss you.”
Her thoughts were echoed by Chris Hoggitt, who worked alongside Karen and told of her generous nature.
He added: “We are all in work struggling to come to terms with the news.
“She really was a wonderful woman and will be missed greatly.”
Friend Ian Madden offered simple words of sympathy.
He said: “RIP Karen, you will be missed by so many. “Such a caring person.” Karen sparked a separate hunt after she went missing two years ago.
A major operation was launched and an online appeal was shared by more than 8,000 people across the country.
Police concentrated their search on towns and villages near Loch Lomond – which Karen loved to visit.
The mum was brought home safe after she traced to a hotel in Glasgow.
A full report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
We are all struggling to come to terms with the news Chris Hoggit