AN ALLOA woman has died after going missing in the Ochils yesterday.

Alison Fox was last seen heading into the hills behind Menstrie on Thursday afternoon.

However, it appears she had gotten lost along her journey, with a major search and rescue operation launched to try and bring her home safely.

Police, the coastguard and volunteers from the Ochils Mountain Rescue Team were all drafted in to help.

Their efforts went on all through the night, as the blizzard conditions intensified.

Tragically, the 51-year-old was found late this afternoon and her body was airlifted from the hillside by helicopter.

Police Scotland say a formal identification will now take place.

A statement read: "Police in Forth Valley can confirm that the body of a woman has been recovered during the search to trace Alison Fox.

"Officers and Mountain Rescue‎ teams had been searching the Ochil Hills to trace the 51-year-old after she got lost on the hills near Menstrie on Thursday March 1. 

"The body was found near to Dumyat Farm at around 2.15pm on Friday."

No formal identification has taken place at this time; however, Alison's family are being informed."

The statement added: "There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding this death and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal." 

Police had issued a public appeal for help in the hopes that Wee County residents might have been able to assist in locating Alison.

Inspector Jim Young said: "The adverse weather on the hills makes us very concerned for Alison's welfare and we are keen to trace her as soon as possible."

Alison was a long-standing member of the Clackmannanshire Hill Walking Club and was scheduled to be a volunteer at the Glasgow 2018 European Championships.

Many have since shared memories of Alison on the Advertiser Facebook page and have passed on messages of good will to her family.

Steven Queen said: "I met her once up the hills and, as I was an inexperienced hill walker at the time, she was advising me on how to read a map, use a compass. She even checked the grip on my boots."

Alan Macdonald said: "Alison is an experienced walker and passionate about the hills and hill walking in general. She is also a pal of mine."

Lisa Williamson added: "So sad. I saw her almost every morning out running. She passed my window on Tuesday or Wednesday night and I thought 'good on you'. Such sad news."

Lorraine Reid said: "No matter how well prepared you are for hillwalking a slip is all it takes to change your well planned outing."

Louise Orr said: "Such sad news. Alison was always helping others through volunteering, we saw her often through my workplace. Thoughts with her family and those involved in the rescue."