A FORMER head gamekeeper is to stand trial charged with shooting a man to death.
David Campbell, 76, is accused of killing James Brian Low at the Leafy Lane near to the Pitilie Track in Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross on February 16, 2024.
David Campbell is accused of killing James Brian Low on February 16, 2024[/caption]
The alleged incident is said to have taken place on a path near a remote Aberfeldy estate[/caption]
Brian Low was found dead on a rural path outside Aberfeldy while he walked his dog[/caption]
The murder charge claims Campbell had initially disabled CCTV cameras at Tigh Na Caorann in the town’s Crieff Road in an “attempt to conceal” his whereabouts.
He is then alleged to have discharged a shotgun at 65 year-old Mr Low leaving him so severely hurt that he died at the scene.
Prosecutors claim Campbell had previously shown “malice and ill-will” towards former estate worker Mr Low before the alleged shooting.
The pensioner faces a separate charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice following the death.
This includes a claim he got rid of the shotgun at an unknown location.
He is said to have had two replacement tyres fitted on an e-bike that he used during the alleged shooting.
Campbell also allegedly dumped a number of items including a box and a cartridge bag at Aberfeldy Recycling Centre.
It is further claimed he disposed of an air gun – also at an unspecified location – that he had often discharged over a seven-year period at Tigh Na Caorann.
Campbell also faces five separate breach of the peace charges spanning between July 1995 and September 2012.
He is said to have acted in a disorderly manner, putting four men and one woman in a “state of fear and alarm”.
This includes claims he threatened to shoot three of them as well as a dog belonging to another.
Locations in these charges are claimed to be the Edradynate Estate, The Square and Ardlach House, all in Aberfeldy as well as Scone Palace in Perth.
The case called for a short hearing at the High Court in Glasgow today.
Tony Lenehan KC, defending, said: “Mr Campbell pleads not guilty to all the charges.”
The advocate also lodged a special defence of alibi in connection with the murder accusation.
Police at the scene of the alleged incident last year[/caption]
The trial is set to take place over three weeks early next year[/caption]
Prosecutor John McElroy KC stated: “There has been extensive discussions and consultations between the parties.
“There is a date for trial for February 2 2026 in Glasgow.
“The estimation is for three weeks.
“There are ongoing matters that the Crown has well in hand.”
Lady Drummond went on fix the trial and also set a further hearing to take place before then in August 2025.
It is expected a judge will be specifically allocated for the trial in due course.
It is expected a judge will to allocated to the trial in due course[/caption]
