Burnt body on golf tee identified

A tent was set up to protect the body while the site was examined

Detectives have identified the man whose badly burned body was found on a golf course in Carnoustie, Angus.

Tayside Police said a post-mortem examination had been carried out on 51-year-old Robert Higgins and that his death was being treated as suspicious.

The remains were discovered by greenkeepers at the Buddon golf course at about 0640 BST on Wednesday.

Police confirmed that when officers were called to the 11th tee Mr Higgins' body was still smouldering.

They sealed off the area while forensic work was carried out. About 20 officers worked at the scene and the course was closed for a second day. It will reopen on Friday.

Detectives want to know where he went in the two hours between leaving Rait and arriving in Carnoustie Tayside Police spokesman

Detectives said that although they had talked to a significant number of witnesses, they were still keen to speak to anyone who might help to piece together Mr Higgins' movements during Tuesday evening and into the early hours of Wednesday.

A spokesman said: "He had been drinking in the Craw's Nest bar, in Ravensby Park Gardens, Carnoustie, on Tuesday night and he was last seen at the end of the pathway in Macdonald Smith Drive that leads to the railway level crossing or the footbridge shortly after midnight.

"As well as establishing his movements on leaving the pub, detectives also want to know where the deceased was prior to 9.30pm, when he arrived at the bar.

"It is known he had been in Rait in rural Perthshire and had left the village at about 7.30 that evening. Detectives want to know where he went in the two hours between leaving Rait and arriving in Carnoustie, as well as how he travelled to the Angus coastal town."

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw him on his journey, or who may have offered him a lift.

A report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.

Golfers come from around the world to play at Carnoustie and the Open was held on the Championship course last year.

However, residents told the BBC Scotland news website that the Buddon course was normally used by local people.