The sister of missing kayaker Dominic Jackson has thanked those who tried to find him after a body was found in the Highlands this afternoon.
Police said inquiries were ongoing to confirm the identity but Mr Jackson’s family had been informed of the development.
On a social media page Mr Jackson’s sister Ellie thanked the people who had joined the search for her brother.
She wrote: “We have taken such strength from this international community of people who have come together at such a difficult time for Dom’s family and friends and all those who knew him.
“Our heartfelt thanks must go out to all the people on the ground that worked tirelessly together to look for my brother.
“I must also thank the thousands of well wishers and prayers from right around the world that have kept us all going through this ordeal. It is impossible to convey our thanks to everyone.
“For now I will be stopping posting on the page to focus on my family and Dom but hope you can all share your thoughts together.
“It has been quite an ordeal for everyone and we are just so thankful that we finally have an outcome even if it is not the one we have all been praying for.
“I have felt all along that Dom has been at peace with whatever outcome has befallen him and would have accepted his fate in good spirits which was his nature. As Dom would have said “Blessings to you all” xx.”
Mr Jackson, 35, was reported missing on Sunday night after he failed to return from a sea kayaking trip in Portsoy, on the north coast of Aberdeenshire.
A kayak believed to belong to him was recovered near Lybster in Caithness, around 50 miles from Portsoy, earlier this week while safety equipment and a paddle were also spotted in the water.
Ms Jackson said her brother’s phone was found in the watertight compartment of the kayak, with the last photos on it taken around Portsoy harbour before he set off on his trip.