Tributes have been paid to a youth football coach after a body was found on Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
Police said the family of Robert Corner, described by his niece as a "fiancé, dad, brother, uncle and friend", were notified following the discovery on Tuesday morning. The 50-year-old was last seen at Baronscourt in the capital at around 6.30pm on Boxing Day.
Paige Lawson posted a tribute to her uncle, "best friend and "fellow assistant coach", on Facebook. She said: "It is with great sadness that we have had to say goodbye to our loving fiancé, dad, brother, uncle and friend, Rab, reports the Record.
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"As a family we are absolutely devastated with the outcome and we can’t quite put into words what this means for us.
"Rab was a shining light in everyone's lives. Always put everyone else first, and that was the honest truth. He truly adored Lesley, his two boys, and the rest of his beloved family.
"Rab was not only my uncle, he was my best friend, my go to, my fellow assistant coach for 4 years, and the dad I never had. A man who got me supporting Hibs, and a man who truly did everything for me. He meant the absolute world to us and so many others.
"We will miss him terribly. We will get to read all your nice messages but can I ask you respect the families wishes at this time, and allow us privacy to grieve. We truly appreciate all the efforts of everyone who helped to try and bring him home. Heaven has truly gained the best man to walk this earth. Forever we’ll be singing #ItsOkayNotToBeOkay."
Edinburgh South CFC, the football club Robert coached at for a number of years, also posted a message paying tribute to him.
It read: “On behalf of the family, we would like to inform the club officials, parents and players of the sad passing of “Rab” Robert Corner, today, December 27.
"A part of the club for five years with the Soccer School and then the 2003s, he was a loveable and likeable guy. He was always encouraging as many boys as possible to get along to our soccer school.
“Not only did both his boys play for the club, he was also assistant coach to his niece and he also got the pleasure of coaching his eldest.
“Every week he would be on the sidelines without fail, whether that be coaching (his eldest son), or going along to support (his younger son).
"Anyone who ever met Rab, would know he was the kindest, caring soul with the biggest heart. The family are deeply devastated with his loss.”
Earlier, police said the discovery of the body was made at around 8am and formal identification was yet to take place. Friends and sympathisers also took to social media to leave tributes to Robert.
Andrena Graham said: “Oh Robert no, so sad, such a lovely guy. Sending so much love to his family. Absolutely devastating news.”
Fraser Nickerson posted: “Such sad news, genuinely a great guy. Thoughts too his family at this awful time.” Valerie Boorman said: “Desperately sad news. RIP Rab.”
Tracy I’Anson said: “So shocked and saddened to hear this news. Robert was such a lovely guy. Thoughts are with all his family. Too sad.”
Kevin Craig added: RIP “jocky boy”. Absolutely gutted mate. Thoughts to the family.” And Claire Nickerson wrote: “RIP Rab. Condolences to all your family and friends, such sad news.”
A Police Scotland statement said previously: “Around 8am on Tuesday, December 27, the body of a man was discovered on Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh.
“Formal identification has yet to take place, however the family of Robert Corner, 50, who was reported missing from the Baronscourt area have been informed. Enquiries are ongoing but there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.”
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