Karen Dewar's body was found near her home in Tayport

The 16-year-old, killed in January, had always lived in Tayport and had many friends and family in the village.

Despite being very ill after her birth, Karen defied the doctors by going on to lead a normal life.

Aged six she took up the energetic hobby of Highland dancing for which she was awarded bronze and silver medals.

A pupil of Madras College, St Andrews, Karen enjoyed administration and drama. But her dream was to work with children as a nursery nurse.

To fulfil this ambition, she had just enrolled on a childcare course at Cupar's Elmwood College.

The emptiness in our lives and in our home can never be replaced Alison Dewar Karen's mother

Her dad Frank remembers his daughter as a chatty, happy girl who loved music, makeup, clothes and going out with her friends.

"She was such a likeable person who was so lovely, smiling and caring. We are completely devastated by what has happened. Our lives can never be the same.

"We're relieved there has been a guilty plea and that ourselves, and all Karen's friends, are not having to go through the ordeal of a trial. We ask that our privacy be respected at this time."

Karen's mum Allison added: "Everything focused on Karen. The emptiness in our lives and in our home can never be replaced."

The couple thanked the community of Tayport and their colleagues at their Tayport employers Scott and Fyfe for all the support they have given them.

'Good listener'

Karen's grandmother Mary Dewar remembered her granddaughter as a caring, smiling chatterbox who especially loved taking her dog Sandie for walks.

She said: "She did not have a bad bone in her body and I miss her so much."

Joan Fraser, Karen's maternal grandmother said that she would sorely miss her granddaughter: "She used to visit me a lot, particularly in the school holidays.

"We used to go shopping together and I would take her to the bingo teas, dominoes and keep fit. She loved these things and meeting other people."

Forensic officers worked on the murder inquiry

Karen's best friend Debbie Bayne, of Tayport, added: "Karen and I had known each other since we were toddlers and remained best friends on leaving school.

"We used to stay at each others' houses at weekends and spent most of our time together.

"Karen was a good listener and we spoke together about everything. She always saw the good in everyone and didn't like falling out with anyone."

Detective Superintendent Ian Hutton, the senior investigating officer in the case, said that he was relieved - for the sake of Karen's family and the community of Tayport - that Colyn Evans had pled guilty.

"From the outset, Fife Constabulary carried out a thorough and professional investigation which led to the early arrest of Colyn Evans and ultimately the guilty plea he has entered.

"I hope that the fact that he will not now be at liberty to harm others may provide some element of reassurance to Karen's family and friends

"But nothing can alleviate the unimaginable suffering they continue to endure as a result of her death.