Police did not notice body of dead dog walker had been shot

Brian Low was shot dead on a remote track near Aberfeldy

Police officers did not notice a 65-year-old man had been shot after his body was found near Aberfeldy, Police Scotland has said.

Brian Low was shot while he walking his dog in Pitilie on the outskirts of the Perthshire town at about 08:30 on Saturday 17 February.

His death was initially thought to be non-suspicious and medically-related.

A post-mortem examination then took place six days after his death, prompting a murder investigation.

• Family told man was shot dead a week after body find

Local area commander Greg Burns told a police press conference: "From the officers' initial assessment, it presented as a non-suspicious, medically-related death at that point in time.

"I think that probably gives you an indication how the body presented at that time."

Mr Low worked as a groundsman at a nearby sporting estate before retiring in February last year.

His body was discovered on a remote track next to his black Labrador, which was unharmed.

Timeline of events

Saturday 17 February - Brian Low's body is found with his dog on a remote track in the Pitilie area near Aberfeldy

Wednesday 21 February - Medical examination establishes that Mr Low had injuries consistent with being fatally shot

Friday 23 February - A post mortem confirms that Mr Low had been shot

Saturday 24 February - Police tell Mr Low's family that he had been murdered

Tuesday 27 February - Police announce they have launched a murder investigation into Mr Low's death

Det Ch Insp Martin Macdougall, of Police Scotland's major investigation team, declined to release information about the location of Mr Low's wounds or the type of weapon used in the killing.

On Wednesday 21 February, a medical examination established that Mr Low had injuries consistent with being fatally shot. A post-mortem confirmed this two days later.

When initial suspicions were raised, Det Ch Insp Macdougall said the scene had been secured by officers and police had taken "every opportunity to recover evidence from site".

The murder inquiry was launched on Friday and Mr Low's family was updated on Saturday.

Det Ch Insp Martin Macdougall and Cdr Greg Burns addressed the media on Thursday

Det Ch Insp Macdougall added: "Since criminality was established on the Friday evening, the major investigation team have carried out a number of lines of inquiry and we are keeping an open mind of the motive in this case."

This included the possibility of him being targeted, but the death was not being considered accidental.

He said that a photo of Mr Low had not yet been released due to the wishes of his family as "they have enough grief to deal with."

Detectives have set up an online portal where members of the public can submit information.

"We're doing all we can to piece together the full circumstances and find whoever is responsible," said Cdr Burns.

"High visibility patrols remain in the area and there is an increased police presence as the investigation continues."