Hundreds spoken to in dog walker shooting probe

The investigation into the death of Brian Low has been going on for nine weeks.

More than 800 people have now been interviewed in the police investigation into the murder of a dog walker on a remote Perthshire path.

The body of retired groundsman Brian Low was found near Aberfeldy at about 09:00 on 17 February.

The 65-year-old’s death was originally thought to be medically related, but an examination later found he had been shot.

Officers continued to conduct door-to-door inquiries in the town, nine weeks after Mr Low was discovered.

One local resident told BBC Scotland News that police had interviewed him and his neighbours three times as part of the investigation.

Douglas McGavin said “I think people just want closure, because it feels as if it’s kind of dragging on a bit.

“The police are doing their best and they are very good. They’ve been very respectful and polite.

“Obviously, the police presence is a wee bit unsettling for people.”

Douglas McGavin said the murder had been "unsettling" for the local community

Mr Low worked at the nearby Edradynate Estate for more than 20 years until his retirement in February last year.

He lived in Aberfeldy with his partner and was killed three days before his 66th birthday.

His death certificate, seen by BBC Scotland News, confirmed he died of a shotgun wound to the neck and chest.

Det Con Martin Ronald and Det Con Scott Young were part of the team conducting inquiries

More than 30 officers, including specialist staff are currently working on the investigation.

Police have visited more than 500 properties in the area and are sifting through 2,400 hours of CCTV footage from 56 cameras.

Doorbell camera footage from individual houses is also being scanned as part of the investigation.

Officers have handed out leaflets and have spoken to more than 800 people as part of the probe

The detective in charge of the probe described it as a “massive investigation", but admitted no suspect had yet been identified.

Det Supt Lorna Ferguson said “We have major investigation teams from across Scotland working on this, along with local policing divisions.

“There are a lot of moving parts to this investigation, but every aspect is being covered thoroughly”

Local speculation has focused on a named individual, but the detective refused to be drawn on this.

She said “We are aware of rumours in the community and everything has been factored into the investigation. Every line of inquiry is being thoroughly pursued.”