Police have confirmed the body found near Kingseat on Monday was that of Andrew Marshall, who had gone missing from his Cowdenbeath home last Friday morning.
It was also revealed the Marshalls’ pet Staffordshire terrier Cain had remained loyal to his master to the very end.
It was the family pet that in fact alerted searchers to Mr Marshall’s location on Monday morning.
Through the police, Mr Marshall’s wife Janice said the pet ”stayed by his master and alerted searchers as to the location of her husband’s body before being returned to the family home.”
The faithful hound is in good health.
Mr Marshall had last been seen at 9am on Friday when he took his pet for a walk. By Friday evening an air and ground search had swung into action during which professionals were joined by scores of locals, concerned for Mr Marshall’s wellbeing.
His body was found by one search team on Monday. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.
Mrs Marshall paid tribute to all concerned for their efforts during the hunt.
In particular she thanked Fife Constabulary for organising the search and paid tribute to the assistance given by other organisations including the RAF search and rescue helicopter, Search and Rescue Dogs Association and the Airwave volunteer pilots.
She also thanked the public for their support but asked for time to be left to grieve in private.