Full Breakdown
David Campbell Convicted of Murdering Ex-Colleague Brian Low
2/26/2026, 5:32:35 AM
Premeditated Murder in Aberfeldy
David Campbell, a 77-year-old former head gamekeeper, was found guilty of the premeditated murder of his ex-colleague Brian Low, 65, on February 16, 2024. The incident occurred on a remote track near Aberfeldy, Perthshire, where Campbell shot Low with a shotgun, resulting in approximately 30 pellet wounds to the face, neck, and chest. The jury at the High Court in Glasgow deliberated for over two days before reaching a majority verdict, sentencing Campbell to a minimum of 19 years in prison.
Background of the Conflict
Both men had previously worked at Edradynate Estate, where Campbell served as head gamekeeper from May 1984 until February 2018, while Low worked as a groundsman from August 2000 until February 2023. Tensions between the two escalated over time, with Campbell harboring a "festering grievance" against Low, whom he believed had attempted to frame him for wildlife offenses, including the illegal poisoning of birds of prey.
The Day of the Murder
On the day of the murder, Campbell disabled the CCTV cameras at his home in an effort to conceal his whereabouts. He then traveled to the murder scene on his wife’s e-bike, armed with a shotgun concealed in a bag. Prosecutors described the act as a "brazen, brutal, and planned execution," emphasizing that Campbell "hunted Brian Low down like he was quarry." Low was out walking his dog when he was ambushed and shot, dying almost instantly.
Investigation and Initial Police Response
Initially, Police Scotland treated Low's death as a non-suspicious medical event, delaying the investigation for five days. This misstep allowed the crime scene to remain unsealed, resulting in the loss of crucial evidence. It was only after a post-mortem examination revealed the cause of death to be gunshot wounds that the investigation shifted focus. Detective Chief Superintendent Lorna Ferguson later acknowledged the police's initial response "fell short of what Police Scotland and the public rightly expects."
Trial and Verdict
During the trial, Campbell denied any wrongdoing, claiming he was at home during the shooting. However, the jury was presented with CCTV footage showing a hooded cyclist, believed to be Campbell, traveling towards the murder scene shortly before the shooting. The prosecution argued that Campbell's actions demonstrated premeditation, as he had taken steps to cover his tracks, including changing the tires on the getaway bike.
Official Statements and Community Impact
Following the verdict, Ferguson issued a personal apology to Low's family for the police's initial handling of the case. She noted that violent crimes are rare in Aberfeldy and acknowledged the community's shock and fear following the incident. The case has prompted a review of police procedures regarding unexplained deaths to prevent similar oversights in the future.
Criticism of the Investigation
Critics have pointed to the significant errors made during the early stages of the investigation, which nearly allowed Campbell to evade justice. The initial classification of Low's death as non-suspicious has been described as a "glaring mistake," leading to calls for reform in police protocols.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You did not encounter Brian Low by chance that day, and you did not just happen to have a shotgun with you.” — Judge Lord Scott
- “This was a brazen, brutal and planned execution at a rural spot, a cowardly ambush motivated by nothing more than sheer malice.” — Prosecutor Greg Farrell
- “I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge that our initial response to this tragic incident fell short of what Police Scotland and the public rightly expects.” — Detective Chief Superintendent Lorna Ferguson
The conviction of David Campbell marks a significant moment in a case that has deeply affected the Aberfeldy community, highlighting both the complexities of the investigation and the tragic loss of Brian Low.
