THE grief-stricken parents of Karen Buckley were today struggling to come to terms with her death as a young man was set to appear in court.

Marian and John had travelled to Glasgow, from their home in Cork, earlier this week after the 24-year-old nurse was reported missing.

In the early hours of yesterday morning, the couple were informed after police found human remains thought to be those of their daughter.

As reported in late editions of last night's Evening Times, the remains were discovered near High Craigton Farm, Milngavie, following an increasingly frantic search for Karen.

A 21-year-old man is expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court in connection with her death later today.

Karen's brothers, Brendan, 32, Kieran, 28, and 27-year-old Damian have also been left devastated by her death.

A source close to the family said her relatives were "understandably devastated".

The grim discovery was made in the early hours of yesterday morning as dozens of police officers scoured land almost 10 miles from where the 24-year-old was last seen in Glasgow's West End.

The massive search dramatically switched from Glasgow to the farm on the outskirts of Milngavie, and a nearby golf course on Wednesday evening.

Karen, who is a qualified nurse, had not been seen since she was reported missing after a night out in at the weekend.

She moved to the city at the start of the year, to study occupational therapy at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Karen had arrived at The Sanctuary nightclub with friends at around 11.45pm on Saturday and at around 1am she told them she was going to the toilet.

She failed to return and did not take her jacket.

Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan thanked police for their efforts during the gruelling investigation.

He said: "I am greatly saddened by the news emerging that Scottish police believe that a body discovered near Glasgow may be that of Karen Buckley.

"All of our thoughts and prayers are with Karen's parents, John and Marian, and with all of her family and friends at this tragic time.

"On behalf of the government, I wish to express appreciation for all that has been done by the Scottish authorities, and especially Police Scotland in Glasgow, to find Karen and to support the Buckley family throughout this very difficult time."

As investigations got underway near High Craigton Farm, a convoy of emergency service vehicles and fire engines were sent to the scene.

An Environmental Protection Unit, which deals with incidents involving hazardous chemicals and environmental contamination, was among the fleet of vehicles.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Officers have recovered human remains on a farm to the north of Glasgow, on the outskirts of Milngavie.

"Formal identification has yet to take place, however, police believe that they may be those of missing woman Karen Buckley.

"Relatives are aware.

"A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of Karen Buckley.

"A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

Marion, 61, and John, 62, had said they were desperate to get their only daughter home safely.