A murder inquiry has been launched following the discovery of a man's body at his home in Aberdeenshire.

The body of Brian McKandie was found at Fairview Cottages in the village of Rothienorman on Saturday, March 12.

Police Scotland said Mr McKandie was last seen on Friday, March 11. Detectives are now appealing for anyone who may have seen him on the Friday or Saturday to come forward.

Detective chief inspector Iain Smith said: "We are keen to trace anyone who knows Mr McKandie, who may have seen him that weekend or has any information about what happened to him. He was a man who was well known in the local community.

"Mr McKandie's home is part of a small collection of houses in a fairly remote area and we're looking for anyone who may have been in the area or passing through that weekend to come forward with information about anyone they may have seen in the area.

"We're particularly interested in the hours between midday on Friday the 11th and Saturday afternoon."

Anyone with information has been asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.