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Aberfeldy murder: What we know so far about shooting of dog walker

Brian Low, 65, died when he was attacked in a rural area near the Perthshire town.

A tent seen on the crime scene.
Police in the Pitilie area near Aberfeldy after the murder of Brian Low. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Police are continuing their investigation into the murder of Aberfeldy man Brian Low.

The 65-year-old was shot dead on a remote path in the rural Pitilie area near the Perthshire town on February 17.

Officers have since confirmed they have launched a murder probe but no arrests have been made in the case.

Here is everything we know so far about the Aberfeldy murder.

What happened on the day of the shooting of Brian Low?

Police say Mr Low was walking his black Labrador on the morning of Saturday February 17 when he was shot.

Mr Low was pronounced dead at the scene at around 8.30am.

It was later confirmed that Mr Low had died from a shotgun wound to the neck and chest.

Police have not revealed who raised the alarm and whether anyone in the area heard the shooting taking place.

It is also not known whether Mr Low was attacked from a distance or at close range.

Where did the Aberfeldy murder take place?

The remote area where the murder happened. Image: Kieran Webster/DC Thomson
The area near Aberfeldy where the murder took place. Image: DC Thomson

Mr Low was shot on a tree-lined dirt track in the Pitilie area, which is to the south-east of Aberfeldy, close to where he lived.

The area is surrounded by fields and woods, and there are only a few houses nearby.

A large cordon was put up around the scene following the launch of the murder investigation.

What do we know about Brian Low?

Murder victim Brian Low. Image: Jacqui Low

Mr Low – whose full name was James Brian Low – lived in a cottage close to the scene of his attack with his partner and granddaughter.

He had worked as a groundsman at the nearby Edradynate Estate for more than 20 years.

Mr Low retired from that job around a year ago, but was still working part-time in the area.

His death happened just three days before his 66th birthday.

His niece, Jacqui Low, told The Courier that his family – including his partner and brothers – had been left “devastated” and “at a complete loss” over his death.

What happened to Mr Low’s dog?

Mr Low was walking his black Labrador, Millie, at the time of his death.

Niece Jacqui said: “His devoted dog, Millie, stayed by his side for as long as she was allowed and is being cared for by his immediate family.”

Why did it take police 10 days to confirm there had been a murder?

Police said Mr Low’s death was initially assessed as being non-suspicious and medical-related due to the way the body “presented” at the scene.

However, during a medical examination four days after the death, suspicions were raised.

It was not until a post-mortem had been completed six days after Mr Low’s death that it was confirmed as a murder.

Locals have expressed concerns that the first they heard about the incident was 10 days after it happened – on February 27 – when Police Scotland issued a media statement confirming it had launched a murder investigation.

It has since been confirmed that both Police Scotland’s professional standards department, and the independent police watchdog, are investigating the early stages of that investigation.

What was the role of the ambulance service at the scene?

Forensics officers at the murder scene. Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

The Scottish Ambulance Service has confirmed it received a call to the Pittiely Burn area at 8.34am on Saturday February 17.

One ambulance was sent to the scene.

However, the patient – Mr Low – was pronounced dead and not taken to hospital.

Ambulance service sources have told The Courier that if a patient appears to have died on arrival at a scene, paramedics will do what they need to establish that the person is dead.

The body is then left for police to deal with and investigate the circumstances.

Asked whether the Scottish Ambulance Service’s role would come under similar scrutiny to that of police, a spokesperson for the SAS said: “There has been no requirement to launch an investigation and it would be inappropriate for us to comment further during a police inquiry.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to Mr Low’s family and friends for their loss.”

What have police done so far to track down Brian Low’s killer?

As of April 23, police said they had visited 478 houses in the area, with 741 questionnaires completed by residents.

Investigators had also reviewed more than 2,400 hours of CCTV footage from 56 cameras, as well as sifting through Ring doorbell footage provided by locals.

A total of 31 officers remained dedicated to the probe at that time.

What else have police said about the Aberfeldy shooting?

A police media conference on Thursday February 29. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

Police have refused to reveal certain details about the murder, including the type of weapon used and whether it has been recovered.

Officers have admitted that some evidence may have been lost as a result of the death initially being deemed non-suspicious.

The scene of the murder was exposed for about four days before being cordoned off.

But they also say that evidence expected to be at a murder scene has also been found.

Police have also confirmed they do not believe Mr Low was killed in an accidental shooting.

They have further said they have no reason to believe he was involved in criminality or had any personal feuds.

Police in Aberfeldy on April 23. Image: Marieke McBean

In an interview more than two months on from the shooting, Detective Superintendent Lorna Ferguson said she was “aware of the rumours that are circulating” about the identity of Mr Low’s killer.

She said: “Our officers are hearing those same rumours but I have to keep an open mind.

“There is no suspect.

“No one has been interviewed under caution.”

Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell briefs officers. Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Speaking about the case for the first time in May, Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “(The handling of the investigation) is subject of an external inquiry, as the public would expect, as the family would expect.

“Quite clearly, that response is not what we wanted but it is subject to an inquiry, so we have to let that work its way through.”

The investigation has been given a name – Operation Newlane – and an online portal has been set up for people to submit information that might help with the probe.

What has the reaction been to Brian Low’s murder?

Postman Jedd Burke, who delivered to Mr Low’s house near Aberfeldy. Image: Kieran Webster/DC Thomson

Locals were left in disbelief and shock at the shooting.

Speaking in the days after the death, postman Jedd Burke, who delivered to Mr Low’s home, said: “He was one of the nicest guys I ever met.

“He was brilliant. I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news.

“He walked a black dog and he was a nice, genuine guy.”

A spokesperson for Edradynate Estate said: “Brian Low worked for us for the past 20 years on the estate as a groundsman.

“We are very sad and shocked at these disturbing events.

“I have known him for many years and he worked with us until around this time last year.”

Residents in Aberfeldy say they have been left “puzzled” by the police investigation.

What have politicians said about the shooting?

John Swinney MSP. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson

Before being made first minster, MSP John Swinney wrote to Police Scotland’s chief constable to express his concerns.

He said: “I am deeply concerned about the handling of this investigation by Police Scotland.

“It is unfathomable that it was not noticed on February 17 that Brian Low had died due to having been shot.

“I cannot understand why a medical examination did not take place immediately and a post-mortem did not take place until the following Friday.”

Pete Wishart, MP for the area, said: “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.”

After the matter was raised in the Scottish Parliament two days after the murder probe was announced, then-First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “There are questions I know have been asked in terms of the time taken between Mr Low’s death and the post-mortem and the opening of the murder investigation.

“I have absolutely assured that Police Scotland are working around the clock on this murder investigation.”