An investigation is under way into the death of a six-year-old girl on Bute.

Her body was found in a wooded area in Rothesay at about 9am on Monday - less than three hours after Alesha MacPhail was reported missing.

Her death is being treated as unexplained and police said their inquiry is at a "very early stage".

The body - which has not been formally identified - was found at the site of the Kyles of Bute Hydropathic Hotel, which was demolished in the 1970s.

On Monday, detective superintendent Stuart Houston said: "This death has shocked the tight-knit community of Rothesay and it is imperative that we find out what has happened.

"This investigation is at its very early stages, however I am appealing for information in order to piece together Alesha's last known movements."

Police have asked anyone who participated in the search for Alesha in the hours after her disappearance to contact them, saying they may have "critical information".

June McKenzie was one of the people involved.

"We were woken up at 7am and we were told she was missing," she said.

"I looked in the garage and workshop and we saw that the search and rescue helicopter was out.

"I can't believe it. Her poor parents and gran. It's just appalling - somebody that young."

Wendy Davie, the head of Chapelside Primary School in Airdrie, described the six-year-old as "considerate" and "popular".

In a statement issued via North Lanarkshire Council, Ms Davie said: "Alesha started with us at Chapelside Primary in August 2016 and had just finished primary two.

"She loved being at school and enjoyed all aspects of literacy, in particular writing. She was such a perfectionist in her handwriting and was very proud of her work.

"Alesha was very friendly and she welcomed everyone first thing in the morning at breakfast club.

"She was a very considerate child who loved being part of a group and she was popular with all the other children and was a smiley and happy young girl.

"She was part of the family of Chapelside Primary and she will be greatly missed by everyone at the school.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and Chapelside Primary community at this very sad time."