Former Gamekeeper Accused of Shotgun Murder 'Loathed' Retired Groundsman, Glasgow Court Hears
Prosecutors have alleged that a former head gamekeeper, now aged 77, "loathed" the retired groundsman he is accused of murdering with a shotgun on a remote track near Aberfeldy, Perthshire. The High Court in Glasgow heard that David Campbell is on trial for the killing of 65-year-old Brian Low in February 2024, with the case revealing a backdrop of alleged long-standing animosity and a series of separate breach of the peace charges spanning decades.
Alleged Shooting on Leafy Lane Near Pitilie Track
The court was told that the alleged murder occurred at Leafy Lane, close to the Pitilie track, where Mr Low was pronounced dead by a paramedic at 9am on 17 February 2024. A post-mortem examination six days later confirmed the cause of death as gunshot wounds to the neck and chest. Campbell has pleaded not guilty to eight charges, including murder, and has lodged a special defence of alibi, claiming he was at home at the time of the shooting. Prosecutors further allege he disabled CCTV cameras at Tigh Na Caorann on Aberfeldy's Crieff Road in an attempt to conceal his whereabouts.
Witness Testimony Details 'Coldness' and Alleged Threats
Local farmer Sally Crystal, 77, who knew both men from the Edradynate Estate where they worked, testified about the deteriorating relationship between Campbell and Mr Low. She described initially noticing a "coldness" that grew over time, recounting two alleged conversations where Campbell expressed intense dislike. In one, he reportedly stated, "I cannot stand that man. I loathe him. I cannot understand why you like him." In another, he was said to have remarked, "I f****** loathe that man. I hate him." Ms Crystal praised Mr Low as a "gentle" man, while acknowledging Campbell was "highly respected" and a "very good shot" in his role as head gamekeeper from 1984 to 2018.
History of Alleged Breaches of the Peace and Further Accusations
Campbell faces five additional breach of the peace charges dating from July 1995 to September 2012, accused of acting in a disorderly manner that put three men and two women in a "state of fear and alarm." Retired police officer Alan Stewart, 78, testified about an incident at Scone Palace's game fair in 1995, where Campbell allegedly said, "It's great what vermin you see when you haven't got a gun," which Mr Stewart described as said "with a bit of venom." Other witnesses, including Leona Forrest, 62, and Marta Oles, 42, gave evidence about alleged threats. Ms Oles claimed Campbell threatened to shoot her black Labrador puppy and "shoot us all" in 2012, an incident she said frightened her eight-year-old daughter.
Attempts to Defeat Justice and Weapon Charges
Prosecutors allege Campbell attempted to defeat the ends of justice between 16 February and 24 May 2024 by disposing of the alleged murder weapon and gun bag, discarding a Walther Rotex RM8 airgun, having replacement tyres fitted on an electric bike reportedly used in the shooting, and dumping items at Aberfeldy Recycling Centre or elsewhere. He is also accused of possessing the airgun without a relevant certificate between May 2017 and February 2024 and discharging it on various occasions. The trial, before Lord Scott, continues, with the jury hearing detailed accounts of the alleged events and Campbell's past conduct.
