THE mother of three-year-old Mikaeel Kular has appeared in court charged with his murder.

Rosdeep Kular, who was charged under her married name of Adekoya, appeared from custody at Edinburgh Sheriff court accused of murdering her son and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

His body was discovered in Fife on Friday after he was reported missing from his home in the north of Edinburgh.

The 33-year-old appeared for a private hearing, before Sheriff Frank Crowe, that lasted just a few minutes.

She made no plea or declaration, was remanded in custody and committed for further examination.

Mikaeel was reported missing from his home in the Drylaw area of Edinburgh on Thursday morning. Police Scotland issued his picture and appealed to the public for help in finding him.

Hundreds of volunteers joined police and specialist teams as they searched the area on Thursday and Friday. Coastguards also scoured the shoreline a mile from his home.

But in the early hours of Saturday, Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham revealed that the body of a young boy had been discovered in Fife, and that a woman had been detained.

The investigations were by then focused in an area of woodland behind a house in Kirkcaldy.

The boy's mother, who is understood to be estranged from her husband, was arrested and charged in connection with her son's death later on Saturday.

More than 500 calls were made to a dedicated phoneline set up in the wake of Mikaeel's disappearance.

Floral tributes, soft toys and candles were placed at a small park near his home.

About 500 people turned out on Saturday night for a memorial service at Muirhouse St Andrew's Church, less than a mile from the home Mikaeel shared with his twin sister and three other siblings.

Ms Kular is expected to make a second court appearance on Tuesday next week.

Meanwhile, parents at the nursery school Mikaeel attended have been urged to help the police inquiry into his alleged murder.

A senior investigating officer made the appeal on the day Rosdeep Kular was brought to the dock at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Chief Supt Mark Williams, of Police Scotland, wrote to Flora Stevenson Primary School and Nursery asking for "relevant information" from anyone who might have spoken to the family or have any other intelligence to feed into the wider investigation.

The request from Chief Supt Williams read: "I am conscious that this is a very emotional and difficult time for the community and for staff, parents and children from both the nursery and school.

"I am keen to limit the impact that the inquiry will have on the school but hope you will understand that it is imperative that I carry out a thorough and professional investigation in order to fully understand the circumstances surrounding Mikaeel's death.

"I appreciate your support and assistance at this difficult time."

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw or spoke with Mikaeel, his mother, or any other member of her family in or around the school and nursery between January 13 and 15.

Head teacher Irene Brennan added in a separate letter to parents: "If you believe you can assist them to get in touch with them directly".