Police share 'upset and frustration' that James Brannan's body not found earlier
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Police Scotland have said they share the 'upset and frustration' that the body of Aviemore pensioner James Brannan was not found earlier despite being just a short distance from where he was last reported missing.
The popular 72-year-old was last seen late on the afternoon of Saturday, February 5 near the Spey Valley golf course clubhouse at Dalfaber.
It is understood that Mr Brannan was discovered near the eighth hole of the course on Friday afternoon by a visiting dog walker.
Chief Inspector Jen Valentine told the Strathy: "Extensive searches were carried out in the Aviemore area from the time James Brannan was reported missing on 8 February, 2022.
"Over the course of the following days and weeks, a significant number of police resources with support from a range of partner agencies carried out detailed searches.
"These were co-ordinated by our specialist search advisors based on the information available at the time.
"The searches were designed to maximise the effectiveness of the varied resources on the ground and to cover the area where it is believed the James was most likely to be found.
"The area where he was found on Friday, 8 April, was out with the parameters of this search area.
"We understand and share the upset and frustration when these searches do not yield immediate results.
"We are committed to continuous learning and will take forward any lessons which can be taken from this case.
"Our thoughts have been very much with James’s family during the time he was missing and remain so now at this difficult time.”
Mr Brannan's body was discovered at around 2.30pm.
Police said the death is not believed to be suspicious.
A report is being submitted to the Procurator Fiscal's office.
Mr Brannan had been watching the Six Nations rugby at the golf clubhouse although he was a regular at the nearby bar at the Dalfaber Golf and Country Club.
Police released CCTV images of Mr Brannan, who lived on Corrour Road, as the full-scale search continued.
Extensive police inquiries from door to door in Dalfaber were conducted in the aftermath of his disappearance.
The search operations also involved helicopter and river patrols by the golf course.
His nephew Andy Calder, in Glasgow – Mr Brannan came from Baillieston – had also issued an appeal for his whereabouts.
Mr Brannan's body is believed to have been found between the seventh green and eighth hole tee towards the top of the championship course.
