POLICE are investigating after a dead body was found at a beauty spot in East Lothian.
The corpse of a man was found at 10am today on Gullane beach, which attracts thousands of tourists every year and is near the world-famous Muirfield golf course.
The body, believed to be that of an experienced hiker, was found between Gullane Point and Aberlady Bay and was initially thought to have been washed up.
But police later said it appeared the man had died on the beach with the body lying there for a number of hours before it was discovered.
There are said to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death although police are appealing for witnesses.
The man is described as being approximately 5ft 5ins tall, a slim build, fair hair and black wide rimmed glasses.
When his body was found he was wearing black shoes and black trousers and had two grey fleece jackets on under a blue waterproof jacket
Police believe he was a seasoned walker as he was found with a rucksack that contained waterproof bags protecting his belongings.
A worker at the Old Clubhouse restaurant in Gullane said: “It’s a popular spot not just with tourists but locals too.
“The beach is used a lot by joggers, dog walkers and a few other well known folk in the area who run fitness bootcamps and classes on the shore.”
A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said: “We were called at 10am by an informant regarding reports of a male body found between Gullane Point and Aberlady Bay.
“We believe the gentleman has died on the beach rather than being washed up.
“At this stage enquiries are ongoing until we can identify the victim and notify any family.
“We are not treating this as suspicious.
“The man did not have any identification on him and police are now appealing to anyone whose friend or family member has failed to return home to get in touch.
Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the man should come forward immediately.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131.
