Human remains found in burnt-out van in layby

Police received reports of a vehicle on fire in a layby on the road between Priestland and Darvel in the Galston Moor area near Newmilns.

Matthew Fulton

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Human remains have been discovered in a burnt-out van found in a layby on a single-track road in East Ayrshire.

Police received reports of a vehicle on fire in a layby on the road between Priestland and Darvel in the Galston Moor area near Newmilns at around 12.05pm on Monday.

Human remains were discovered in the van which had been burnt out, and formal identification is still to take place.

This area is known locally as Monk Belt or Mast Walk, and officers said the death is being treated as unexplained, with enquiries at an early stage.

Detective inspector Craig Gilmour said: “At this stage of our investigation, it is unclear why the van was parked in this layby or how it came to be on fire. It is vital anyone with information comes forward.

“The area is very picturesque and popular with walkers and dog walkers, and it’s thought a number of vehicles will have passed by the scene at the time.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in the area around midday on Monday and may have seen a white van parked in a layby, or a van on fire, to please get in touch.

“I would also ask if you heard any loud noises, or any motorists with dashcam footage which could be of significance, to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1615 of Monday, June 24, 2024.