Murder investigation launched after man shot dead while walking dog in Aberfeldy

A murder investigation has been launched after a man was shot dead while walking his dog on a “remote” path in Aberfeldy.

Brian Low was walking his black Labrador in the Pitilie area, on the outskirts of the town, around 8.30am on February 17 when he was fatally shot.

Emergency services were called and the 65-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

His death is now being treated as murder with detectives working “round the clock” to find those responsible.

Local residents have been told to expect significant police activity and high-visibility patrols in the area as the investigation continues.

Brian Low was walking his black Labrador in the Pitilie area, on the outskirts of the town, around 8.30am on February 17 when he was shot dead. STV News

Police Scotland said his family are being supported by specialist officers and have asked for privacy.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Detective chief inspector Martin Macdougall, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts are with Brian’s family at this very difficult time and we are doing all we can to get them answers.

“We have been carrying out extensive enquiries since Brian’s death and detectives are working alongside uniformed officers to establish the full circumstances.

Police open murder investigation after man shot dead in Perthshire STV News

“Our enquiries have so far have revealed that Brian was out walking his black Labrador along a remote track, shortly before 8.30am when he was fatally shot.

“Although this is a remote location, we would be keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time.

“I am also appealing directly to the local community, who might have information that could help.

“Anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant they feel it may be, should come forward and speak to detectives.

“Please do not assume that the police already know the information you have.”

Local Area Commander Greg Burns added: “I understand this is an extremely concerning incident for this small, rural community.

“I want to take this opportunity to reassure people that we are working round the clock to find out what happened to Brian.

“We will have additional high-visibility patrols in the area and you will see significant police activity over the coming days.

“Anyone with any concerns can approach these officers at any time.

“Police can also be contacted by calling 101 and quoting incident number 0884 of Saturday, February 17, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Detectives have also set up an online portal to encourage members of the public to submit information.

Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, said the incident was “horrifying”.

A spokesperson for the MP’s office said: “Initial assessment of the death deemed it to be non-suspicious – however, following the results of the post-mortem, the death has now been declared as a homicide investigation which is being led by Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team (MIT).”

Mr Wishart said: “This is an utterly horrifying incident which will have shocked the close-knit community of Aberfeldy to its core.

“My thoughts are firmly with the family of Brian Low during this devastating time. It is vital that all available resources are now employed to get to the bottom of what has happened and who is responsible as quickly as possible.

“I have been assured by Police Scotland that additional officers have been deployed to the area whilst their investigation is progressed by the Major Investigation Team, and I would urge for anybody with any information that may assist the investigation to come forward.”