Human remains found in Aberdeenshire

Police have launched an investigation after human remains were found in a wooded area outside Ballater.

A member of the public discovered the remains in woods about two miles west of the Aberdeenshire village - which is close to Balmoral Castle.

Police Scotland were contacted, with officers now working to try to establish the identity of the dead person.

The remains ''appear to have been there a number of years'' before they were found on Friday, according to police.

A Police Scotland spokesman said the force had received a call ''following the discovery of human remains in the Ballater area by a member of the public''.

He added: ''These remains appear to have been there a number of years and inquiries are going to establish the identity of the deceased.''