Tributes have been paid to a popular and well-loved Millport couple who were found dead at their home on the island on Monday morning.

A police investigation was launched after the bodies of retired doctor Arthur Tear and wife Mary were found at 11.20am at West Bay.

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection to the deaths, and a report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

The couple's three children do not live on the island. Mary, 88, was affectionately known to all on the Isle of Cumbrae as May. Arthur, aged 89, was a retired doctor but did work part-time for the Millport GP practice as a locum doctor in the past when doctors were unavailable.

A family statement was issued as we went to press: “We, Alistair, Hamish and Marjorie, are very sad at the loss of our mother and father. They were a devoted couple, inseparable since they married over 60 years ago, indeed it was to be their 66th wedding anniversary this Thursday. We will miss them terribly.

“We would like to thank everyone for their words of comfort; it is very reassuring to know how well thought of our parents were, however, we would be grateful if we were left to grieve as a family at this very sad and difficult time.” The house was a scene of forensic activity throughout the day as the scale of the tragedy hit home, with the island in mourning.

Locals paid emotional tributes on the Largs and Millport News Facebook site after the news emerged.

‘News’ correspondent Mary Currie, who was a neighbour of the couple in the past, said: “The whole island is absolutely saddened and shocked. They were the most lovely couple, and were always out together arm in arm for a walk, and latterly, Arthur was out pushing Mary in her wheelchair. They were never apart.” Emma Newton said: “Rest in peace. A truly lovely couple.” Two police cars and CID were stationed outside the house on Monday as the sad news was announced in the late afternoon. A police helicopter was also seen on the island throughout the day.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Around 11.20am, the bodies of an elderly man and a woman were found within a house in West Bay, Millport. Inquiries into the incident are continuing.”