Murder inquiry police quiz drivers

More than 700 motorists have spoken to police investigating the death of a man found murdered in his remote Aberdeenshire home.

The body of mechanic Brian McKandie, 67, was found at the property, Fairview Cottages, Rothienorman, on Saturday March 12.

Officers stopped drivers in the village on Friday – two weeks on from when they believe the “brutal murder” took place – and are now checking fresh lines of inquiry.

Police are still trying to trace two sets of men seen talking to Mr McKandie at his home on Friday March 11.

Detective Chief Inspector Iain Smith said: “It is now just over two weeks since when we understand Mr McKandie was attacked and officers spent much of last Friday speaking to people travelling in the area.

“Information was received from a number of people in terms of assisting us with our inquiries to identify people who may have been in contact with him before he died.

“This gives us potential fresh lines of inquiry to follow. We are still appealing for two sets of men who may have visited him on the Friday to come forward as this may assist us.”

Police are still keen to hear from any other drivers who used the B9001 road between Rothienorman and Forgue on Friday March 11.

Mr McKandie’s brother appealed for information at a press conference last week.

William McKandie said “somebody somewhere” must know what happened to his brother.

“It’s been almost two weeks since Brian has died and it’s just been a total shock, especially as police believe that he was attacked,” he said.

“He was a 67-year-old man who lived alone, who worked hard as a self- employed mechanic and was friendly to anyone who spoke to him.

“How could someone do this to him?

“I would ask that if anyone thinks they have information about what happened to my brother, they may have seen something or heard something, to contact police.”

Brian McKandie was found dead on March 12.