Killer guilty of shooting ex-colleague on remote country path in Aberfeldy
BBC World
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A former gamekeeper named David Campbell has been convicted of murdering his ex-colleague Brian Low, shooting him on a remote path in Aberfeldy, Highland Perthshire. The 77-year-old was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 19 years before eligibility for release. Campbell, described as having a "Jekyll and Hyde" personality, targeted Low in February 2024 after disabling a nearby CCTV camera. Initially, police treated the death as non-suspicious but later discovered that Low had been shot based on forensic evidence.
The case gained attention due to serious errors in the initial police response, which led to delays in identifying the crime. Campbell was able to evade detection for several days before being arrested. During the trial, it emerged that Low had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to his chest, arms, and face, caused by a shotgun with pellets of a specific size later found in Campbell's home. Despite this, the actual murder weapon remains undiscovered.
The jury delivered a non-unanimous verdict after three days of deliberations, marking the end of a 15-day trial at the High Court in Glasgow. Brian Low’s partner, Pamela Curran, shared her emotional ordeal, describing how the loss has affected their lives. The case highlights concerns over police procedures for investigating unexplained deaths and underscores the importance of thorough forensic examinations.
This tragic incident sheds light on the vulnerabilities within law enforcement responses to suspicious deaths. It also raises questions about how such a targeted assassination could initially be overlooked by authorities. For readers interested in global news, this story emphasizes the need for improved investigative practices and accountability within law enforcement to prevent similar miscarriages of justice.
The trial revealed that Low was found on Leafy Lane with his dog Millie by his side, adding a poignant detail to the crime. Witnesses described the community’s shock and confusion as rumors about Campbell began circulating, despite his reputation in the area. The case ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of inadequate police responses to serious crimes and
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026