The discovery was made in dense woodland on the B945 St Michaels to Tayport Road, at a point known locally as St Michaels crossroads, close to where Mr Patrick was last seen.

The 70-year-old went missing on January 8, having last been seen getting off the F2 bus from Cupar near the St Michaels Inn in the village

His son, Joe, had flown back to Scotland from his home in France immediately after hearing of his father's disappearance.

The family made up posters featuring a photograph of Mr Patrick and distributed them in Leuchars, Guardbridge, St Michaels and Tayport, as well as at Dundee bus station.

Sunday's events follows the discovery of the body of Ann Robb (82) in Guardbridge on Saturday.

Mrs Robb's body was formally identified later in the day.

Insp Bruce Thomson of Fife Constabulary said: "We are treating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of both the man and woman's body as being not suspicious at present.

"However, a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal concerning both discoveries, which is normal practice."

Mr Patrick's funeral is to be held at Kirkcaldy Crematorium on Thursday, January 29.