Ex-gamekeeper's wife not aware of any 'grievances' husband had with alleged murder victim

The wife of a former head gamekeeper told jurors she was not aware of any “grievances” he had with the man he allegedly murdered.

The woman insisted she did not recall a problem between her husband, David Campbell, and Brian Low – despite telling police there were “one or two” issues when they worked together on the Edradynate Estate, Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross.

The 77-year-old was giving evidence as a prosecution witness at the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday.

Campbell is accused of shooting to death ex-groundsman Mr Low, 65, at the Leafy Lane near to the Pitilie Track close to Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross on February 16, 2024.

Campbell, also 77, denies the accusation and has lodged a special defence of alibi.

The wife blew a kiss to her husband of 57 years in the dock as she took to the witness box.

Mrs Campbell also knew Mr Low from Edradynate as she had previously worked in the “big house” on the estate.

Asked how she got on with him, she stated their jobs “did not coincide in any way”.

She then said the work of the two men was also separate and that Campbell only needed “help” from Mr Low with a tractor.

Prosecutor Greg Farrell asked Mrs Campbell if there had been any “grievances” between her husband and Mr Low.

She replied: “No, as far as I know.”

Mr Farrell went on to ask the witness if she had said anything different in a statement to the police.

Mrs Campbell said: “I do not think so, no.”

The advocate depute then read out part of what she had told officers in late February 2024.

This included a claim that they “did not interact over the years” and that she had “no feelings for or against the guy”.

Mrs Campbell was then said to have stated: “There were one or two grievances between Brian and Dave at the Edradynate, but I do not want to comment as I do not have a clue what they were about or if I did, I have forgotten.”

In court, the pensioner added she did “not particularly” remember these apparent issues.

Mr Farrell said: “Why say that in your statement?”

She replied: “I left Edradynate nine or ten years ago. I have moved on. I cannot be asked to remember grievances that I had nothing to do with.”

The advocate depute further put to her: “I am asking you, as you stand here on oath, if you remember there were any grievances on the Edradynate between Brian and David?”

Mrs Campbell replied: “I am telling you, sir, I do not remember.”

The OAP said she “cannot explain” why that was in her statement.

The trial, before Lord Scott, continues.