Tributes have been paid to a missing Scots pensioner, after a body was discovered near a woods in the Scottish Borders.
The sad discovery was made in a wooded area near Newton St Boswells at 12.30am on Sunday, July 2. While formal identification is still to take place, the family of missing 86-year-old James Cockburn have been informed.
James, otherwise known as Jim, was reported missing from the Town Yetholm area near Kelso on Thursday, June 29. Police say there are no apparent suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
A number of tributes were paid to Mr Cockburn on social media after the discovery was announced on social media by Police Scotland, with friends describing him as "a gentleman" and praising his community spirit.
Mairi Howieson said: "So sorry to read this. Thoughts are with Jim’s family at this very sad time. Jim was a great community man who would go out of his way to help people. Rest in peace Jim."
Neil Johnston said: "Thoughts and prayers for the family, Jim was a neighbour when he lived in Kelso and a work colleague from Lloyd ltd for many years. Rip Silver Fox."
Graeme White said: "My thoughts are with his family and friends, a lovely man who did so much for the community."
Jan Ackerley said: "This is a post we all dreaded to read. Jim will be greatly missed in the village, he was a very lovely man. rest easy now Jim, God bless."
Jill Hodgson said: "Very sorry to read this Jim was a lovely man - sending sympathies to the family."
Euan Gibson added: "RIP Jim a true gentleman, will be missed. Thoughts and condolences are with Scott and family at this real tough time."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "At 12.30am on Sunday, July 2, the body of a man was found in a wooded area near Newton St Boswells. Formal identification has yet to take place but the family of James Cockburn, 86, reported missing from the Town Yetholm, have been informed.
"There are no apparent suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course."
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