The heartbroken family of a mother who was found dead in her home have told how they will ‘never get over losing her’.

Naomi MacIvor has been described as a ‘bright spirit’ who will be missed after her suspected murder in Dornoch, Sutherland, at the weekend.

Emergency services were called to Morrison Court in the town on Saturday afternoon, where she was found dead.

Earlier this week Daniel Sutherland, 34, appeared in court after being charged in connection with Ms MacIvor’s murder.

Tributes for the 46-year-old have flooded in online, where friends told of their devastation at the her death.

Her family, in a statement issued through Police Scotland, told how they would never get over the loss.

They said: ‘Naomi was a loving mother, auntie, daughter and grand-daughter.

‘She was a friend to everyone. We will never get over losing her. She was taken far too early for such a bright spirit.

Naomi MacIvor was described as a ‘bright spirt’ in a tribute released by her family through police

Police and forensics teams in Dornich, Sutherland, were Ms MacIvor died

‘We shall miss her for forever and love her eternally.’

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to her online, with social media inundated with messages of condolence.

She was described as a ‘lovely friend’ and a ‘beautiful angel’.

One friend said: ‘Missing you my wee pal. So many tears for you. Go and have a good gallop on Sam on the beach. Heartbroken.’

Another told they were ‘broken’ to have found out the news, while another told they ‘adored’ the woman who was ‘such a lovely friend’.

Sutherland appeared before Inverness Sheriff Court on Thursday where he was charged with murder.

The 34-year-old, of the Highland capital, made no plea when he appeared in private and was remanded in custody.

He will make his next court appearance within eight days.