Police have launched a homicide hunt after a millionaire financier’s former groundsman – who taken care of his 4,000-acre Scottish property for twenty years – was shot useless whereas strolling his Labrador.
Brian Low, 65, was discovered with deadly gunshot wounds within the Pitilie space on the outskirts of Aberfeldy, Perthshire, at round 8.30am on February 17.
Emergency companies attended however Mr Low, from Aberfeldy, was pronounced useless on the scene. His loss of life is being handled as homicide after a autopsy examination.
Mr Low had spent 20 years working for rich businessman Michael Campbell MBE on the close by Edradynate Estate till final yr.
The Sun studies that the property has been concerned in no less than 4 police probes, together with in 2018 when a gamekeeper was accused and later cleared of poisoning crops on the property in the course of the evening after having a row with Mr Campbell.
Detectives are actually scouring the close by space and have appealed for witnesses to assist piece collectively the thriller behind Mr Low’s shock loss of life.
A police automobile is seen within the Pitilie space after a 65-year-old man was shot useless on February 17
Following a autopsy examination, the loss of life is being handled as homicide and detectives are interesting for anybody with info to contact them
A spokesman for Edradynate Estate instructed The Times: ‘He labored for us for about 20 years and was a lot preferred and far revered and we’re very, very shocked in regards to the information.
‘He was pretty. chap, a really good chap. Hard-working. He would not say boo to a goose. He’s a pleasant man so very unhappy, very unhappy information.’
The Sun was instructed that these on the property have been ‘very unhappy and shocked’ by the disturbing occasions. A spokesman added: ‘I’ve recognized him for a few years and he labored with us till round this time final yr.
‘We have no idea what occurred. We knew he had died clearly however this information has created one other degree of shock.’
The Pitilie space is round three miles south of the property, and simply exterior of Aberfeldy.
The distant path the place Low’s physique was discovered is close to a glamping pod enterprise, a firewood provider and a restaurant and farm store.
The space of Perth and Kinross can be recognised for its salmon fishing within the River Tay and its distilleries akin to Dewars.
One surprised resident wrote on social media: ‘Wow that is so unhappy, it is one thing that’s so misplaced locally. Let’s hope the police discover the individual accountable.’
Detective Chief Inspector Martin Macdougall, of the Major Investigation Team, mentioned: ‘Our ideas are with Brian’s household at this very tough time and we’re doing all we will to get them solutions.
‘We have been finishing up intensive inquiries since Brian’s loss of life and detectives are working alongside uniformed officers to determine the complete circumstances.
‘Our inquiries have thus far have revealed that Brian was out strolling his black Labrador alongside a distant observe shortly earlier than 8.30am when he was fatally shot.
‘Although this can be a distant location, we’d be eager to listen to from anybody who was within the space on the time.
‘I’m additionally interesting on to the area people, who may need info that might assist.
Mr Low had spent 20 years working for rich businessman Michael Campbell MBE on the close by Edradynate Estate (pictured) till final yr
A Police Scotland automobile on the web site the place the physique of Brian Low was discovered earlier this month
‘Anyone with any info, irrespective of how small or insignificant they really feel it might be, ought to come ahead and converse to detectives.
‘Please don’t assume that the police already know the data you’ve got.’
Police Scotland mentioned {that a} report can be submitted to the procurator fiscal.
The power mentioned there can be a police presence within the space over the approaching days and anybody with considerations could make contact with officers.
Local space commander Greg Burns mentioned: ‘I perceive that is an especially regarding incident for this small, rural neighborhood.
‘I need to take this chance to reassure those who we’re working around the clock to seek out out what occurred to Brian.
‘We can have further high-visibility patrols within the space and you will notice vital police exercise over the approaching days.
Emergency companies attended however Mr Low, from Aberfeldy, was pronounced useless on the scene
‘Anyone with any considerations can method these officers at any time.’
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney mentioned: ‘This is a devastating and critical announcement and I categorical my sympathy to the household of Brian Low.
‘This incident will shock the neighborhood in Aberfeldy and can understandably trigger public concern.
‘I’ve spoken with Police Scotland and sought reassurance that an applicable police presence can be in place to make sure neighborhood security.
‘In these horrible circumstances I urge anybody with related info to contact Police Scotland.’
Police might be contacted on 101, quoting incident quantity 0884 of February 17, or info might be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.