‘Laird told neighbours he was ex-MI5 with a gun licence’

By A SCOTTISH laird sent his tenants letters warning he was a retired secret agent trained to kill in an apparent bid to force them off his land, a court heard.

Elizabeth-Ann Machin told Kilmarnock Sheriff Court she was scared when she read the letter allegedly sent by Niall Campbell, owner of Rowallan Castle estate near Kilmaurs, Ayrshire, and saw it as a death threat against her husband.

The 67-year-old is alleged to have sent the anonymous message stating: “1972 – Recruited MI5 field officer. 1975 – Saudi, Lebanon, Yemen. 1992 – honoured, list non-disclosed.”

The court heard how the letter, part typed, part handwritten, said Mr Campbell liked to appear “Worzel Gummidge-like” but was “ruthless and licensed to carry side arms”. It went on: “Retired 1989 but possibly still retained. These people never retire. Mr Machin, understand you are involved with etc, a word to the wise etc!”

Mr Campbell, of Waterside, denies threatening or abusive behaviour by sending letters to the couple and to resident Alistair Dickson between January 2013 and July 2014.

Mrs Machin, 70, told the court that she was “very upset” by the letter and was frightened her husband would be killed. Thomas Machin, 72, a business consultant, told the court: “I took it as particularly threatening and I know that it had an effect on my wife. It was very similar to a letter received by one of my neighbours previously.”

He told prosecutor Stephanie Macdonald he thought Mr Campbell was responsible and added: “I have no doubt he sent it to me.”

The trial was adjourned.