Police have recovered a body in the search for missing Kilbarchan pensioner Allan Burns.

Mr Burns, 71, who was awarded an MBE for his services to charity, vanished after leaving his Kilbarchan home for a walk on Friday, January 18.

Cops confirmed a body was found in Castle Semple Loch in Lochwinnoch this morning (Sunday).

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We can confirm that about 8.55am this morning, police were called to a report of a body found in the water at Castle Semple Loch, Lochwinnoch.

"No formal identification has taken place at this time.

"The family of missing man Allan Burns has been informed about the recovery."

Extensive searches for Allan Burns have been carried out by the specialist marine unit, helicopters, mounted branch and police dogs since the disappearance of the Renfrewshire man, who suffers from dementia.

Last week, his distraught family urged members of the public to come forward with information.

They said: “Our dad, Allan Burns, went missing on the January 18 this year and was last seen just past Castle Semple in Lochwinnoch around 5pm.

“As a family we are struggling to cope and are extremely concerned for his safety and wellbeing.

“This is completely out of character for him and we urge anyone with any information whatsoever to come forward.

“We would like to thank the police and the local community for all their efforts in the search for Allan.”