Inverness murder detectives in appeal over sightings of two men

Ross MacGillivray was found dead on Sunday

Police have sought information on two men seen entering a house where a 36-year-old dad was murdered in Inverness.

Ross MacGillivray was found with serious injuries at a property in St Ninian Drive at about 00:10 on Sunday. He died a short time later.

His family said he was a loving husband and father, adding: "We love you to the Moon, the stars, Jupiter and Mars."

Detectives said one of the two men they were trying to trace may have had a Liverpool accent.

The man was described as black, about 6ft tall, of slim build, with short black hair and stubble around his mouth.

He was wearing a blue puffer jacket, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers, which were described as "chunky".

The second man was described as white, about 5ft 8in tall, of slim build, with brown hair, which was shaved at the sides and longer on top.

He was wearing a black waterproof jacket, grey and black trousers and black trainers.

A forensic officers' tent outside the property in Inverness' Dalneigh

The men were seen entering the house in St Ninian Drive, Dalneigh, at about 22:20 on Saturday, and then left shortly after midnight on Sunday.

They are believed to have walked in the direction of the Caledonian Canal, and police said they were known to have been in the St Valery Avenue area at about 00:20, possibly in the company of a woman.

Det Ch Insp Martin MacDougall said extensive inquiries were ongoing and appealed to the public for information which could help the investigation.

He said: "Incidents such as this are thankfully very rare in the Highlands and we fully appreciate the impact this tragedy has had in the local community and across Inverness.

"An extensive police presence remains in the area, including detectives from our Major Investigation Team and local officers from Highland and Islands Division.

"If anyone has concerns or information about Ross's death then I would urge them to speak to any of our officers."

An extensive police presence remains in the area

Det Ch Insp MacDougall added: "We remain particularly keen to identify two men seen entering the same property where Ross MacGillivray was later found dead."

He said specialist officers continued to provide Mr MacGillivray's family with support.

Anyone with information has been asked to call 101, quoting reference 0031 of Sunday, 12 November, 2023, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In a statement, Mr MacGillivray's family said: "Ross was a loving husband, a doting father, loved by his family and friends and all who met him.

"He will be especially missed but definitely not forgotten."