Tributes have been paid to Arbroath-based marine Ralph Hebden, who has been confirmed dead by police after a search lasting more than three weeks.
His body was recovered by the coastguard off the shoreline below Arbroath cliffs on Monday and was formally identified.
The 32-year-old marine, who served with 45 Commando based at Condor in Arbroath, had been missing since March 11, when he had left his home in the town saying he was going out for a morning run.
An extensive search by police followed and his pregnant wife Sarah made several heartfelt appeals as the days passed by. She gave birth to a baby girl on March 22.
Mr Hebden’s family declined a request to speak to the press. The head of 45 Group, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Tanner, said marines at the base were “deeply saddened”.
“All at 45 Commando Royal Marines are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Marine Ralph Hebden,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Stuart Lavery, chairman of the 45 Commando Veterans’ Association, said the tragic news would be felt by everyone working at Condor.
He said: “It’s very sad news and my thoughts are with his family.
“It’s been a concern among members of the association. We were all hoping that he would return home safe and sound. I imagine the mood on the base will be very solemn.
“They all will be mourning their colleague.”
Tim Donovan, chairman of the East of Scotland Royal Marines’ Association, said: “We are saddened to hear this news. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Such a tragedy for all concerned.”
Arbroath councillor David Fairweather, whose son was a colour sergeant in an army regiment attached to Condor, said people in the town would “rally round” Mr Hebden’s family.
“Most people here have a connection to the base,” he said. “When there is a loss at Condor, people rally round. The family can expect that from the people of Arbroath again.”
The search for Mr Hebden started on the same night as his disappearance as the town’s coastline was combed by coastguards and police late into the evening.
In the days and weeks which followed, several more searches of Arbroath were made, including one with the involvement of fellow marines from 45 Commando.
The inquiry even stretched to Mr Hebden’s home town of Liverpool. Mr Fairweather praised the police’s efforts in tracing the marine.
He added: “The police went about their job in a very professional manner and took the matter extremely seriously. They went around the town and outwith the town, trying to find out what had happened.”
A spokesman for Police Scotland said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr Hebden’s death.
As is the case in all sudden deaths, a report had been submitted to the procurator fiscal.