Burntisland girl killed in Lapland

The body of Rebecca Johnson (26), who was working in Finland as a tour guide for Santa Safaris, was found by Finnish police in the town of Kuttanen on Saturday.

Her 36-year-old Czech boyfriend is currently in police custody.

Rebecca was a former pupil of Balwearie High School, where teachers remembered her as being a quiet girl.

Val Laing, her great aunt, who lives in Burntisland described her as “a beautiful girl who loved her dogs.”

It is understood that Rebecca’s parents, who own a local flower shop, are to travel out to Finland.

The remote region, close to the border with Sweden, is a hit with Brits who want to see the Northern Lights and experience a white Christmas.

Councillor George Kay who represents the town on Fife Council, added: “The whole town is pretty devastated by the terrible news coming from Finland. I would like to join them in expressing my condolences to the family and friends of Rebecca. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

A spokesman for Santa Safari which provides Christmas themed excursions in Lapland, said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a member of the Santa Safari team was discovered dead on 3 December. We are all in shock from this tragic news and our thoughts go out to her family.

“Our team is working closely with the Finnish Police and relevant authorities to support the investigation that is now underway.

“It goes without saying that we will do everything we can to support the family and our staff at this incredibly difficult time.”

Rebecca’s boyfriend, who she lived with in the Finnish town, was arrested and taken into police custody after a manhunt in well below freezing temperatures.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland have been contacted by the Foreign & Commonweath Office regarding the death of a British national in Finland and will continue to assist them as required.”