Watchdog will probe cops on shooting case
MP asks questions after gunshot find delay
Calls have been made for “full transparency” over a police probe into a murdered dog walker whose gunshot wound was missed as police watchdogs confirm they are investigating the handling of the case.
Police have admitted vital evidence in the murder of Brian Low (65) – shot and killed on a remote track outside Aberfeldy “could have been lost” given the time it took to launch a probe.
The retired groundsman, from Aberfeldy, was found by a member of the public on a path on the outskirts of the town at 8.30am on Saturday, February 17, alongside his black Labrador, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Low’s death was initially deemed to have been medicallyrelated and not suspicious.
He was examined four days later – on Wednesday, February 21 – when a gunshot wound was found.
A subsequent post-mortem on
Friday, February 23 – six days after he was discovered – found he had been killed by the shot and a murder probe was launched.
This was announced to the public on Tuesday, March 27, causing shockwaves across the community.
MP for Perth and North Perthshire, Pete Wishart has written to Police Scotland over the timeline amid widespread concerns from local people.
Mr Wishart said: “A number of my constituents have contacted me about the tragic shooting of Brian Low, and the various concerns they have about how this has been handled.
“In light of this shocking incident, the local community in Aberfeldy are now understandably fearful for their safety, and, more than anything, Brian Low’s family are still without answers.
“I have therefore written to Police Scotland, calling for urgent clarification on what is known to have happened thus far, and why the investigation was not launched sooner.
“Going forward, it is vital that Police Scotland ensure full transparency as this situation develops.”
It comes as the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) confirmed it had been directed by the Crown to investigate the circumstances.
A PIRC spokesperson said: “On March 1, 2024, PIRC was directed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a 65-year-old man discovered near Aberfeldy on February 17, 2024.
“Once the investigation is concluded a report on our findings will be submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.”
Officers leading the probe spoke at a press conference in
Perth on Thursday.
DCI Macdougall stated that there was no evidence to suggest that Mr Low, who worked at Edradynate Estate prior to taking retirement around a year ago, was involved in any form of criminality or subjected to a targeted attack.
The high-ranking officer also said that no precise information in relation to Mr Low’s injuries or the type of weapon used would be formally released at this stage.
DCI Macdougall stressed that “a number of lines of inquiry” were being followed and reiterated a previous appeal for anyone with information in relation to the harrowing incident to come forward.
When asked if the delay in establishing the formal murder probe could pose issues in terms of the investigation, DCI Macdougall stated: “Obviously, once it had been established on the Wednesday that there were concerns surrounding the death, the [crime] scene was established at this stage. Yes, we appreciate, given the time, some [evidence] could have been lost but we’ve taken every opportunity since to try to recover everything possible.”
Explaining the timeline, he said: “Mr Low’s death was initially assessed as being non-suspicious and medical-related, but following a medical examination it was established he had injuries consistent with being fatally shot.
“The Major Investigation Team were then contacted and a twodoctor post-mortem examination was scheduled.
“It took place on Friday, February 23, after which it was confirmed Mr Low had been fatally shot. A murder inquiry was immediately launched thereafter.
“Family liaison officers were identified and Brian’s next of kin were made aware on the afternoon of Saturday, February 24, about the significant update in the case.
“The Major Incident Public Portal was then set up on the Monday and released to the public on Tuesday. It allows them to submit information directly to the team.
“Brian’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers and we ask for their privacy to be respected at this time as they come to terms with what has happened.
“Since criminality was established on Friday evening, the team has carried out a number of lines of enquiry and we are keeping an open mind as to the motive in this case.
“We are now turning to the public for information. I am asking anyone with information, if you noticed anything out of the ordinary or heard anything of concern, to please contact us as could be vital to our investigation.”
Local Area Commander, Chief Inspector Greg Burns moved to reassure the community.
He 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 is and increased police presence as the investigation continues. We are working closely with the Major Investigation Team, and part of our enquiries includes officers going door-to-door and I would encourage anyone with concerns to speak with us.”
When asked if he felt if any mistakes had been made in relation to the investigation so far, Chief Inspector Burns said “the initial assessment was that of a non-suspicious death”.
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.