Brian Low: Murder of Aberfeldy man shot dead while walking dog was initially treated as non-suspicious and medical-related, police say
The murder of a man shot dead while walking his dog was initially treated as non-suspicious and medical-related until concerns were raised days later.
The family of Brian Low, 65, eventually discovered how he died one week after the shooting.
In a press conference on Wednesday, a detective investigating the murder admitted that evidence may have been lost because of the delay.
Mr Low was walking his black Labrador when he was gunned down on a remote track in the Pitilie area on the outskirts of Aberfeldy at around 8.30am on Saturday 17 February.
Emergency services attended, but Mr Low, from Aberfeldy in Perthshire, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the death was first assessed as being non-suspicious and medical-related, but following a medical examination on Wednesday 21 February it was established he had injuries "consistent with being fatally shot".
A two-doctor post-mortem examination took place two days later, which confirmed Mr Low had been shot.
A murder investigation was immediately launched and his next of kin were notified about the significant update in the case on Saturday 24 February.
Victim 'not involved in criminality'
Detective Chief Inspector Martin Macdougall, of Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team, said: "Obviously, once it had been established on Wednesday there were concerns about the death, the scene was established at that stage.
"But, yes, I appreciate that in that timeframe between the Saturday and Wednesday some things could have been lost, but we have taken every opportunity since to recover every item from that area."
At the press briefing, DCI Macdougall confirmed that the professional standards department of Police Scotland had been informed.
He said several lines of enquiry have been explored out since criminality was established on Friday evening.
DCI Macdougall added: "We've got [to] keep an open mind as to why Brian was subjected to this crime. We can't just decide that it's targeted or non-targeted.
"Inquiries are ongoing, but there's nothing to indicate that Brian is involved in any form of criminality and he's not adversely known to the police.
"We're not going to provide any information at this stage on the type of weapon or type of wound that Brian sustained."
'Extremely concerning'
DCI Macdougall said the groundsman's previous employment at Edradynate Estate would be examined during the investigation.
He said: "Every aspect of Brian's life will be explored, any people he associates with, that includes employment.
"We need to focus on appealing for witnesses to try and assist us and give Brian's family the answers as to why he's been murdered."
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An online portal has been set up for members of the public to submit information about the case to police.
High visibility patrols remain ongoing in the area as enquiries continue.
Local area commander Greg Burns added: "I understand this is an extremely concerning incident for a small, rural community but please be assured we are doing all we can to piece together the full circumstances and find whoever is responsible."
Edradynate Estate, where Mr Low worked as a groundsman until his retirement in February 2023, said the news of his death was "extremely sad".
A spokesperson for the estate added: "We send our deepest condolences to Brian's family. We have no further comment to make at this time."
