Tributes have been paid to a retired groundskeeper who was shot dead while walking his dog in Perthshire.
Brian Low was killed while walking his black Labrador on a “remote” track in the Pitilie area of Aberfeldy at around 8.30am on February 17.
Police Scotland confirmed it was treating the 65-year-old’s death as murder ten days later following a post mortem.
Officers from the Major Investigation Team have been drafted in to investigate and are now working “round the clock” to catch whoever is responsible.
STV NewsMr Low worked as a groundsman on the Edradynate Estate, around five miles away from Aberfeldy, until his retirement in February last year.
His former employers described his death as “extremely sad”.
In a statement bosses of the country house and sporting estate said: “Further to the extremely sad news of the death of Brian Low; we can confirm that Brian worked for the Estate as a groundsman and retired from his role in February 2023.
“We send our deepest condolences to Brian’s family. We have no further comment to make at this time.”
Locals have been left “shocked” and “distraught” by the news with some telling STV News it has made them think again about going for a walk in the remote area that surrounds the town.
Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, added: “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.
STV News“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.”
Local residents have been told to expect significant police activity and high-visibility patrols in the area as the investigation continues.
Detective chief inspector Martin Macdougall, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “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 set up an online portal to encourage members of the public to submit information.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
