Mystery as human remains discovered near estate

‘A painstaking process’

POLICE are investigating after human remains were found near the entrance of a historic Scottish estate

The discovery was made close to Gosford House, near Longniddry, East Lothian, by a member of the public.

The 19th century estate was used in filming for the popular Outlander TV drama series.

Police Scotland confirmed the remains, found on Sunday, were human, but would not comment on whether they were investigating any link to missing mother Louise Tiffney, who disappeared from her Edinburgh home in 2002.

As part of that inquiry, officers searched sections of the 60,000 acre estate but no body was discovered. Her son, Sean Flynn, then 21, was cleared of her murder in 2005.

Detective Superintendent Pat Campbell said yesterday: ‘We are in the very early stages of this investigation, to recover the remains, identify the deceased, inform their family, and establish the circumstances of the death.

‘The recovery will be a painstaking process and officers and scientific experts will be in the area doing this work over the coming days.

‘I would not wish to cause any unnecessary distress to families or anyone who is waiting for news of a missing loved one, and my officers will be in contact with the next of kin of any person who becomes relevant to the investigation.’

He added: ‘The area where the remains have been found, including the A198, will remain cordoned off whilst we conduct our inquiries and I would like to thank the public for their patience during this time.’

Residents yesterday expressed their shock. One said: ‘It would appear the body was found next to some heavy undergrowth just feet from the wall surrounding the estate, and the police cordoned off a large area of woodland inside the estate too.’