Police have confirmed that Forteviot woman Jenny Methven was murdered.
A post mortem was carried out in Dundee on Wednesday and confirmed that Mrs Methven, who was 80, had sustained injuries to her head and body.
Mrs Methven was found dead by her son at the cottage they shared at Kildinny Farm, near Forteviot, at about 5.15pm on Monday.
Her son, David Methven, has expressed his gratitude for the support given by the local community and appealed for information to help establish what had happened to his mother.
He said: “I am absolutely devastated at the death of my mother. As well as being a wonderful mother, she was an extremely generous person someone who was a true friend to others and always willing to give her energies and time freely.
“I miss her desperately and would appeal to anyone who can assist Tayside Police with their enquiries to get in touch with them.
”I would also like to take this opportunity to thank local residents and others who have expressed their sympathies and sorrow at what has happened. Their kind words do offer some comfort and I am grateful for that.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222, or speak to their local officer. Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.For more on this story, see Thursday’s Courier