A retired groundskeeper killed on a remote path was presumed to have died of a cardiac arrest before a shotgun pellet was found lodged in his heart, it has emerged.
Police confirmed that Brian Low, 65, was found alongside his black labrador near the hamlet of Pitilie, on the outskirts of Aberfeldy, on the morning of February 17. On Wednesday officers confirmed that his death was initially assessed as “medical-related” when emergency services attended.
However, during a medical examination it was discovered that Low had injuries consistent with having been shot. A major investigations unit was contacted and a two-doctor post-mortem examination was ordered.
Only on Friday, February 23 — six days after the shooting — did the examination confirm that he had been shot, prompting a murder investigation. Low’s family were informed of the development the following day.
Yet it was not until four days after the murder inquiry was launched, ten days after the death, that the public were informed that there was a chance a murderer could still be at large.
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A police source told the MailOnline that the small pellet was found lodged in his heart and is believed to have caused him to go into cardiac arrest and die.
The source added that the pellet was tiny and there was “very little, if any” blood found at the scene.
On Wednesday, towards the end of a long farm track snaking from the main road to the scene of the crime, officers wearing forensic suits and kneepads were seen scouring the footpath on their hands and knees.
Meanwhile, in town, residents said a large police presence was first noticed on Sunday.
George Mitchell, the manager of The Fountain bar in Aberfeldy, said most locals felt “confused” over the delay in launching an investigation and were left with “loads of questions not answers”.
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The quiet Perthshire town known for golf, salmon fishing and Dewar’s distillery was shaken by the news of the crime.
“I wouldn’t be walking my dog on that track just now,” added Mitchell.
John Swinney, the MSP for Perthshire North and former deputy first minister, said he had written to the head of the police force for answers on the perceived delay in the investigation.
He said: “I have today written to the chief constable of Police Scotland to seek answers on key questions in the handling of this case.
“It is vital that public assurance can be given on these issues.”
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He earlier told the BBC: “I want to understand why there was a gap of some considerable distance and time between the discovery of Mr Low’s body and the disclosure that there was a suspicion Mr Low had been murdered … because as I understand it, Mr Low had been shot.”
Pete Wishart, the SNP MP for the area, also raised concerns about the timeline of events.
He told the Dundee Courier: “The sequence of events around the shooting in Aberfeldy are becoming quite bizarre and concerning.
“I will be seeking a clear explanation of events from police and emergency services.”
Until February last year Low worked as the groundskeeper on the 4,000-acre Edradynate Estate, three miles away across the River Tay.
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A spokesman for the estate said on Tuesday: “He worked for us for about 20 years and was much liked and much respected and we’re very, very shocked about the news.
“He was lovely. A good chap, a very nice chap. Hard-working. He wouldn’t say boo to a goose. He’s a nice guy so very sad, very sad news.”
The estate is owned by the millionaire financier Michael Campbell, a former commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron.
In 2018 a police probe was launched at the estate when another former gamekeeper of the estate was accused and later cleared of poisoning crops.
Detective Chief Inspector Martin Macdougall said: “Since criminality was established on Friday evening, the MITs [Major Investigation Teams] have carried out a number of lines of inquiry and we are keeping an open mind as to the motive in this case.
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“We are now turning to the public for information. Aberfeldy is a remote area with close-knit community. Anything unusual would stand out.”
Greg Burns, the local area commander, 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. We are working closely with the Major Investigation Team as part of our inquiries.
“This includes officers going door-to-door and I would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to them.”
Detectives have set up an online portal for investigation — named Operation Newlane — to encourage members of the public to submit information.
