Former Gamekeeper Found Guilty in Brutal Shotgun Murder Case
David Campbell, a 77-year-old former head gamekeeper, has been convicted of the shotgun murder of his ex-colleague, Brian Low, aged 65, in a remote area near Aberfeldy, Perthshire. The fatal shooting occurred in February 2024, with Campbell using his wife's e-bike to escape the scene and engaging in a series of cover-up attempts to evade detection.
Details of the Murder and Investigation
Advocate Depute Greg Farrell described the killing as a "brazen, brutal and planned execution," noting that Campbell, an expert shot, hunted Low down like quarry. On the day of the murder, Campbell disabled his home CCTV system and placed duct tape over his doorbell camera to conceal his movements. He also disposed of the murder weapon, which has never been recovered, and changed the tyres on the getaway bike to avoid forensic links.
Initially, Police Scotland treated Low's death as a medical event, delaying the crime scene investigation. This error meant the scene was not sealed off until days after Low's body was discovered on Leafy Lane near the Pitilie Track. A post-mortem examination later revealed gunshot wounds to the neck and chest as the cause of death, with around 30 shotgun pellet injuries found on Low's face.
Court Proceedings and Evidence
During the trial at the High Court in Glasgow, Campbell denied any wrongdoing, claiming he was at home at the time of the shooting. However, jurors saw through his lies and convicted him of murder. Prosecutors presented evidence linking Campbell to the crime, including CCTV footage of a cyclist matching his wife's e-bike, which had a distinct wingmirror, disappearing from view during the time of the murder.
Soil sample analysis connected the bike to the murder area, and Campbell admitted to having the tyres replaced after the shooting. In court, he became agitated under cross-examination, rebuking the prosecutor for calling him a liar and stating, "Why do you keep calling me a liar? I take great offence at that."
Background and Motive
Both men had previously worked at Edradynate Estate, where Campbell served as head gamekeeper and Low as a groundsman. Their relationship was strained, with Campbell admitting, "We just didn't get on. He didn't like me and I didn't like him." Crown witnesses testified that Campbell suspected Low of trying to set him up for wildlife offences after dead birds were found on the estate.
A local farmer told jurors that Campbell once said of Low, "I f****** loathe that man. I hate him." Campbell denied this but admitted spreading lies about Low, claiming he was ordered by his former boss to fabricate stories about Low planting rat poison. In contrast, estate owner Michael Campbell stated that Low left on good terms and received a retirement gift in 2023, while Campbell was sacked in 2017.
Aftermath and Police Response
Police Scotland acknowledged errors in the initial investigation, stating that policies and procedures have been reviewed and changes implemented as part of ongoing detective training. A force spokesperson said, "All relevant policies and procedures were reviewed and immediate organisational changes, relating to attendance at scenes of crime and mortuary procedures, were implemented." Seven other charges against Campbell, including attempting to defeat the ends of justice, were dropped by the Crown Office.
