Gamekeeper Believed Murder Victim Was Framing Him, Jury Told
A former head gamekeeper suspected the man he allegedly murdered of attempting to "set him up" after dead birds were discovered on a Perthshire estate, a High Court jury has heard during a dramatic trial in Glasgow. Prosecutors have claimed that David Campbell, 77, shot retired groundsman Brian Low, 65, on a remote track near Aberfeldy in February 2024, with Campbell pleading not guilty to eight charges and lodging a special defence of alibi.
Estate Raid and Suspicious of "Foul Play"
The court was informed that Campbell believed Mr Low had "planted" items in his house during a police and RSPB raid investigating alleged wildlife crimes on the Edradynate Estate, where both men had previously worked together. Detective Constable Scott Leslie read a statement from the late estate owner, Michael Campbell, who described both men as good workers but noted increasing tensions.
In his April 2024 statement, Mr Campbell stated:
- David Campbell was "very dedicated to his job" and ran commercial shoots "very well"
- Brian Low was a "thoroughly decent chap" whose murder left him "absolutely staggered"
- The accused "didn't take criticism very well" and relations deteriorated before retirement
Wildlife Crime Investigations and Estate Tensions
Jurors heard about repeated instances of bird of prey poisonings on the estate, with fingers pointed at Campbell. The estate owner warned his head gamekeeper to "abide by the law" but did not believe he was responsible for the incidents. During the raid on Campbell's home, "black powder" was recovered, leading to his detention for 28 hours before release.
Michael Campbell's statement revealed that the powder actually belonged to him, and that David Campbell was "aggrieved" by the raid, later implying Mr Low had planted items among his returned possessions. This suspicion was echoed by crown witnesses Andrew Kennedy, 69, and Kerry Colvin, 59, who testified that Campbell shared his beliefs about being framed.
Historical Conflict and Written Warnings
The court was shown a formal written warning sent to Brian Low in May 2011 for speaking poorly of Campbell and his wife Elizabeth, known as Betty. The letter noted that Mr Low had confessed to saying "some extremely unpleasant things" about the couple to people outside the estate, though he subsequently apologised.
While praising Low's work standards, the warning stated: "It seems such a shame therefore that you have so seriously prejudiced your position in indulging in such cruel gossip and expressions of antipathy towards David and Betty." Mr Low was told he would face dismissal if similar incidents occurred again.
Trial Continues with Complex Background
The initial assumption that Brian Low's death was "medical-related" was overturned when a post-mortem examination revealed gunshot wounds to his neck and chest. The trial before Lord Scott continues to examine the complex relationship between the two estate workers, the wildlife crime allegations that shadowed the property, and the events leading to the fatal shooting in February 2024.
