Post-mortem confirms Heather McKay took her own life

Police initially suspected the mother-of-two had died as a result of an accident after her body was found in woodland near her home in Dechmont, West Lothian.

But today police sources said a post-mortem examination had shown she had died as a result of her own actions.

Ms McKay’s body was discovered on Tuesday afternoon around 500 yards from where she had been staying with a friend in the West Lothian village.

Police and other search teams made the find in an “inaccessible” part of Dechmont Woods, an area which is popular with dog walkers.

After her body was found, Ms McKay’s daughter, Andrea, and son Kevin posted a heartfelt message on a Facebook page set up to help spread the word over her initial  disappearance.

They wrote: “To my best friend My Mum who I loved more than life itself. I can’t believe you are no longer here. I miss you more than you can imagine. Sleep tight Angel. I’ll always love you. Until we meet again. RIP.”

A lone bunch of flowers has been placed at the entrance to the woodland, while other tributes have been left nearby.

West Lothian councillor Janet Campbell, who represents Dechmont, told the Evening News that the local community was rallying behind Ms McKay’s family.

She said: “The community is reeling. To my knowledge, nothing like this has happened here before.

“There was an amazing response from the community to the appeal for help in finding Heather.

“We will find strength in each other and we will be on hand to offer Heather’s family all the support they need.”

Ms McKay, who was missing for 12 days, was last seen at her friend’s house in Craiglaw on the morning of August 24.

The property is just yards away from Dechmont Woods, which can be entered by walking to the end of the street. It is understood search and rescue teams had been combing the area since Saturday.

Dechmont resident Jim  Scobie, 67, said the news had come as a “real shock” to  villagers.

A Lothian and Borders police spokesman said: “Police can now confirm the identity of the body found in Dechmont, West Lothian, as missing woman Heather McKay. There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be sent to the  procurator fiscal.”