Tributes have been paid to a 43-year-old woman whose body was found on a Fife beach.
Police confirmed that a body discovered around 6pm on Monday was that of Leuchars woman Maureen Bannister, who had gone missing on Sunday afternoon while walking her dog in Tentsmuir Forest.
A police spokesman said Ms Bannister’ death is being treated as unexplained pending further inquiries.
They are urging anyone who may have seen Maureen since 2pm on Sunday to contact them.
Sergeant Gary Combe said: “Our sincere condolences go to Maureen’s family and friends at this very sad time.
“We’re working to establish the full circumstances surrounding Maureen’s death and are asking anyone who may have seen her since Sunday afternoon to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.
Ms Bannisters’s friend Caroline Cece said: “She was a lovely person.
“Somebody who was very responsible, very conscientious.
“I knew her for quite a few years after we worked together at Petterden for the SSPCA.
“Maureen was just one of these people that even if you didn’t see them for a while you would then meet up and it would be like you last saw them yesterday.
“I still can’t quite believe that this has happened.”
Ms Bannister, who is believed to have lived with her father and teenage daughter at their home in Leuchars, was first reported missing on Sunday evening.
She had left her home to walk her pet Yorkshire Terrier at around 2pm, driving to Tentsmuir in her Ford Focus.
Her disappearance prompted a huge search, which resulted in both the car and dog being found at the popular dog walking spot.
As well as a search helicopter, two lifeboats from Broughty Ferry had been searching the local coastline, while coastguard teams from Carnoustie, St Andrews and Montrose also arrived at the beauty spot.
Having worked with the SSPCA for around a decade, it is believed that Ms Bannister had recently left in order to study at college.
Superintendent Sharon Comrie from the charity paid tribute, saying: “Maureen worked at our Petterden centre for 10 years and was an extremely well-liked and hardworking member of our close knit team.
“Our thoughts are with Maureen’s family and friends at this incredibly upsetting time.”