Tributes paid to father found dead in Midlothian near burning off-road motorcycle, as man appears in court as part of police probe

Tributes have been paid to a father whose body was found by police as they responded to reports of a burning off-road motorcycle in Midlothian, while a man has appeared in court as part of their investigation.

The body of a man, named locally as Craig Sneddon, was discovered on a path in woodland off Hadfast Road, near Cousland, at around 9.20am on Sunday.

Police are still treating the death as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstance, with work ongoing to formally identify him.

A 24-year-old man, Jordan Dickson, also appeared in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday in connection with an assault as part of their investigation. He faced another charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice. He made no plea, was committed for further examination and was remanded in custody with another appearance due within eight days.

A fundraising page has been set up to support Craig's family.

A fundraising page has also been set up to help support Mr Sneddon’s family during this difficult time, with about £1,900 raised so far.

A post on the page from organiser Michelle Major, said: “Everyone has heard the sad news about Craig Sneddon, he may have been known as wee Craig but he had a big heart and was well liked by everyone who knew him.

“Thought we could help his sisters who have lost so much already and now a brother to help take a bit of pressure off them while they try to come to terms with this tragic loss. R.I.P Craig.”

The Sun newspaper also reports that his daughter shared a picture online with a post which says: "I'll love you forever and always."

Hundreds of tributes have been left online to Mr Sneddon, with many offering their condolences to his family.

One person said: “RIP Craig he was a lovely guy thought are with the family.”

Another wrote: “Gutted to hear this sad news. Absolute gem of a guy, always had time for a wee natter R. I. P wee man.”

And another wrote: “Devastating to hear that Craig sadly lost his life at the weekend, Wallyford has lost one of its own, there's many a broken heart locally.

"Craig was such a lovely guy who will be very sorely missed by many.

“Rest in Peace Craig Sneddon.”

Another said: “Absolutely devastated when I heard this. Thoughts are with all the family.”

Detective Chief Inspector Bryan Burns, of Lothian & Borders CID, appealed earlier today to anyone who may have seen a fire or heard any activity in the area on Saturday night or in the early hours of Sunday to get in touch.

He said: "We are carrying out extensive enquiries in order to establish exactly what has happened prior to the man being found dead during the morning of Sunday, 17 January.

"He was found on a path in woodland to the west of the village of Cousland where it runs under the A68 road, which we know is regularly used by locals.”

DCI Burns says police are also keen to speak to anyone who may have been driving in the area around Cousland or on the A68 who may have seen the fire or who may have dashcam footage.

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident number 0931 of January 17.

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