Yousaf addresses fatal shooting of 65-year-old man in Perthshire
HUMZA Yousaf has paid tribute to a man who was fatally shot on the outskirts of a Scottish town amid questions over the handling of the case.
We previously told how the family of 65-year-old Brian Low, who was shot in the Pitilie area near Aberfeldy, did not learn how he died until a week after the incident.
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney was among those to say he had concerns about the gap between the discovery of the body and “the disclosure there was a suspicion Mr Low had been murdered”.
Speaking at FMQs, the former deputy first minister asked the FM about the case and said that “there is a need for full transparency from Police Scotland over the handling of this case”.
He added that Police Scotland need to maintain a local presence to ensure the safety of the community at an “incredibly worrying time”.
Yousaf replied: “I agree with all of that. Can I start of course by giving my condolences to the family, friends, loved ones of Brian Low and can I also ensure that I give as much reassurance as I possibly can to the community of Aberfeldy who are rightly shocked, rocked in fact, by this tragic incident.”
He added that he would have to be careful with his words as an investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
However, Yousaf added: “Let me try to give as much reassurance as I can to the community of Aberfeldy about their safety.
“I know that Police Scotland will be taking this case, are taking this case, extremely seriously.
“There are questions I know that have been asked given media reports in the last 24-48 hours in terms of the time taken between Mr Low’s death and the post-mortem and the opening of the murder investigation.
“I’ve been absolutely assured, and I’ve sought these assurances, that Police Scotland are working around the clock into this murder investigation and will be seeking to reassure the community as they can.”
He said that the suggestion of an “increased police presence” was a sensible one and that he was ensure this was fed back to the force.
“It should be said that Police Scotland have been appealing to any member of the public who may have any information to come forward,” he added.
Detective Chief Inspector Martin Macdougall, of the major investigation team, said: “Brian’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers and have asked for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with what has happened.
“Since criminality was established on Friday evening, the (detectives) have carried out a number of lines of inquiry and we are keeping an open mind as to the motive in this case.
“We are now turning to the public for information. Aberfeldy is a remote area with a close-knit community. Anything unusual would stand out.
“I am asking anyone with information, if you noticed anything out of the ordinary or heard anything of concern, to please contact us. It could be vital to our investigation.”
Local Area Commander Greg Burns said: “I understand this is an extremely concerning incident for a small, rural community but please be assured we are doing all we can to piece together the full circumstances and find whoever is responsible.
“High visibility patrols remain in the area and there will be an increased police presence as the investigation continues.”