Former Gamekeeper David Campbell to Appeal Conviction for Shotgun Murder
David Campbell, a 77-year-old former head gamekeeper, has announced his intention to appeal against his conviction for the shotgun murder of ex-colleague Brian Low. Campbell was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 19 years at the High Court in Glasgow last week, following a trial that revealed chilling details of the crime.
Details of the Murder and Getaway
On February 16, 2024, Campbell gunned down Brian Low, 65, on a remote track near Aberfeldy in Perthshire. Prosecutors described the act as a "brazen, brutal and planned execution," with Advocate Depute Greg Farrell stating that Campbell, an expert shot, "hunted Brian Low down like he was quarry." After the shooting, Campbell fled the scene using his wife's e-bike, a detail that became central to the investigation.
To conceal his involvement, Campbell disabled his home CCTV system, placed duct tape over his doorbell camera, and disposed of the murder weapon, which has never been recovered. He also changed the tyres on the getaway bike in an attempt to cover his tracks. Both men had previously worked together at Edradynate Estate, where Campbell served as head gamekeeper and Low as a groundsman. During the trial, Campbell admitted, "We just didn't get on. He didn't like me and I didn't like him," though he denied the murder.
Police Errors and Investigation Controversy
The initial police response to the incident was mired in controversy. Police Scotland treated Low's death as a "medical event" at first, suspecting his injuries were from a fall. This error meant the crime scene was not sealed off and forensically examined until days after Low's body was discovered on February 17, 2024. A post-mortem examination later revealed the cause of death as gunshot wounds to the neck and chest, with around 30 shotgun pellet injuries found on Low's face.
Detective Chief Superintendent Lorna Ferguson, the senior investigating officer, apologized to Low's family after the verdict, acknowledging that the initial response "fell short of what Police Scotland and the public rightly expects." Campbell, upon his arrest three months later, accused detectives of being "desperate" and claimed they were "just trying to save face" due to the early mistake.
Appeal Process and Legal Proceedings
On Wednesday, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service confirmed it had received an intimation of intention to appeal against Campbell's conviction. Judge Lord Scott had previously condemned the murder as an "appalling and senseless act of extreme wickedness," targeting an "unarmed and defenceless man." The appeal will now proceed through the legal system, as Campbell seeks to overturn his life sentence.
This case highlights significant issues in police procedure and the grim reality of a long-standing grudge turning violent. The community in Perthshire remains shaken by the events, with ongoing legal developments expected to draw further attention.
