Police have launched a major investigation after two people were found dead at a holiday cottage in Aberdeenshire.
The emergency services were called to the Rickarton area, west of Stonehaven, this afternoon and remained there throughout the night.
Officers at the scene said that the bothy where the bodies were discovered was “on lockdown” and are now treating the incident as not suspicious.
A police spokesman said: “Police were called to a property in the Rickarton area near Stonehaven after receiving a report about the deaths of two adults.
“Police were informed at around 1.30pm and inquires to establish the full circumstances are at an early stage.”
The activity focused on the Mergie Holiday Cottages, with several police cars in attendance at the property in question throughout the day.
One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “The police came to our door in a rush, but we have had no idea what has been going on all day.
“This is really, really sad news as this is such a quiet area.
“It has really sent a shiver down my spine.”
A spokeswoman for the fire service confirmed that a crew from Aberdeen Central station was called to the scene at about 4.30pm and remained there until 9.05pm.