A former head gamekeeper is to stand trial charged with shooting a man to death in Aberfeldy.
David Campbell, 76, is accused of killing James Brian Low at the Leafy Lane near to the Pitilie Track in Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross on February 16 last year.
The murder charge states Campbell had initially disabled CCTV cameras at Tigh Na Caorann on Crieff Road in an “attempt to conceal” his whereabouts.
He is then alleged to have discharged a shotgun at 65-year-old Mr Low, leaving him so severely hurt that he died at the scene.
Prosecutors claim Campbell had previously shown “malice and ill-will ” towards former estate worker Mr Low before the shooting.
Campbell faces a separate charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice following the death.
This includes a claim he got rid of the shotgun at an unknown location.
He is said to have had two replacement tyres fitted on an e-bike he used during the shooting.
Campbell also allegedly dumped a number of items, including a box and a cartridge bag, at Aberfeldy Recycling Centre.
It is further claimed he disposed of an air gun – also at an unspecified location – that he had often discharged over a seven-year period at Tigh Na Caorann.
Campbell also faces five separate breach of the peace charges spanning between July 1995 and September 2012.
He is said to have acted in a disorderly manner, putting three men and a woman in a “state of fear and alarm”.
This includes claims he threatened to shoot three of them as well as a dog belonging to another.
These charges include the Edradynate Estate, The Square, and Ardlach House, all in Aberfeldy, and Scone Palace in Perth.
The case called for a short hearing at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday.
Tony Lenehan KC, defending, said: “Mr Campbell pleads not guilty to all the charges.”
The advocate also lodged a special defence of alibi in connection with the murder accusation.
Prosecutor John McElroy KC said: “There has been extensive discussions and consultations between the parties.
“There is a date for trial for February 2, 2026, in Glasgow.
“The estimation is for three weeks.
“There are ongoing matters that the Crown has well in hand.”
Lady Drummond went on fix the trial and also set a further hearing to take place before then in August 2025.
It is expected a judge will be specifically allocated for the trial in due course.
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