Tragic Discovery in Search for Missing Edinburgh Man
Police Scotland have issued a tragic update in the search for a missing man from East Lothian, after a body was discovered late on Thursday evening. The discovery brings a sorrowful conclusion to the intensive search efforts that began earlier this week.
Details of the Missing Person Case
Gary Hill, aged 56, was reported missing on Monday, February 9, 2026, from the East Lothian area of Scotland. He was last seen at the Asda supermarket located in Chesser, Edinburgh, at approximately 4.30pm on that same day. Authorities had expressed escalating concerns for his welfare as the days passed without any sightings.
In a statement released on Thursday, police indicated that Mr. Hill might have travelled to East Lothian and could potentially have been sleeping in his vehicle. This information prompted a focused search in the region, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Discovery of the Body
At around 10.15pm on Thursday, February 12, 2026, police officers discovered the body of a man near Cockburnspath, a small village situated in the Scottish Borders. This location is within the East Lothian area, aligning with earlier police suspicions about his possible whereabouts.
Although formal identification procedures are still pending, the family of Gary Hill has been notified of the discovery. Police Scotland confirmed this in their latest update, stating that the death is currently being treated as unexplained. However, they have emphasised that the circumstances are not believed to be suspicious at this stage.
Police Statement and Next Steps
In an official statement, Police Scotland detailed: "Around 10.15pm on Thursday, 12 February, 2026, the body of a man was found near Cockburnspath, East Lothian. Formal identification is yet to take place, however, the family of Gary Hill, 56, who was reported missing from the area on Monday, 9 February, 2026, has been informed."
The authorities have assured that a comprehensive report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal, as is standard procedure in such cases. This step is part of the ongoing investigation to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the death.
The community and local residents have been deeply affected by this news, with many expressing their condolences to the family. The discovery marks a sombre moment in what has been a distressing week for those involved in the search efforts.
