Human remains found outside stately home in East Lothian

Police Scotland has confirmed that remains found close to the entrance to a stately home near Longniddry are human remains.

Officers were alerted to the discovery by a member of the public yesterday evening at around 6:30pm (April 2nd), near to the entrance of Gosford House.

Experts carried out a detailed examination of the site and established that the remains are that of a human.

The death is being treated as unexplained.

Detective Superintendent Pat Campbell said: "We are in the very early stages of this investigation, to recover the remains, identify the deceased and 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.

"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."