Police searching for a man who disappeared more three years ago have discovered human remains near a farm in Argyll and Bute.

Tony Parsons travelled from his home in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, to Fort William in the Highlands by train on Friday September 29 2017, intending to cycle home.

He travelled south on the A82 and was last seen at around 11.30pm that night outside the Bridge of Orchy Hotel in Argyll and Bute.

He was reported missing on October 2.

On Tuesday, specialist search officers and forensic scientists searching for Mr Parsons discovered remains in an area of ground close to a farm near Bridge of Orchy.

Police said efforts to recover the remains are continuing and a post-mortem examination will be held later.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Somerville said: “This is clearly a significant development and extensive work is ongoing to recover the remains and confirm their identity.

“We have informed Mr Parsons’s family, who are being supported by specialist officers.

“The thoughts of everyone involved in the investigation are with them at this difficult time.

“The investigation into Mr Parsons’s disappearance continues and I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has assisted our inquiries so far and again urge anyone who may be able to help to come forward.”

On December 30, two men aged 29 were arrested and released pending further inquiries in connection with the disappearance.