Human remains found in Gardenstown house fire search for missing woman
Remains discovered as investigators continue a joint police and fire service inquiry; a man was hospitalized and a road closure remains in place.
Police confirmed on Tuesday that human remains were found inside a house in Gardenstown as part of the search for a woman who has been missing since a fire at Harbour Road in the Seatown area early Thursday. The discovery comes as authorities continue a joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The fire occurred last week, and a man was taken to hospital in the incident. Formal identification has not yet been made, but the missing woman’s family has been informed.
Specialist teams are expected to remain at the scene as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the blaze and the woman’s disappearance. Police Scotland said the investigation is being carried out jointly with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and the search for additional information or evidence is ongoing. The area around the fire remains difficult to access, and authorities have warned that the investigation could take time as equipment and personnel operate in challenging terrain.
Aberdeenshire Council said a road closure in the area would remain in place for up to 10 days to support the investigation. The closure covers Harbour Road and surrounding access points in the narrow Seatown area, with entry limited to emergency services and essential vehicles. Officials stressed that the restrictions are intended to protect the public and allow responders to reach properties and conduct assessments.
The site of the fire, described as a narrow and challenging location, has required ongoing access control to ensure safety for residents and responders. Police and fire investigators have asked for patience as they continue to work in the difficult-to-access area, with additional updates to come as the inquiry progresses. For now, authorities say the investigation remains active, with officials coordinating between Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to establish the sequence of events and determine any links to the missing person.
Officials said the remains will undergo formal identification through the appropriate processes, and once completed, further information will be released as available. The family of the missing woman has been kept informed of developments. Police urged anyone with information from the Harbour Road area in the days leading up to the fire, or who has dashcam or other evidence, to contact them as part of the ongoing joint investigation.