Billy Watson, a 35-year-old father, has been named locally as the man killed in a suspected shooting in Armadale, West Lothian, on Saturday. He died at the scene after being injured at a property on Harestanes Road.
Emergency services arrived shortly before midday after police received a report of an injured man at the property around 11.50am. Billy was pronounced dead at the scene, and his next of kin has been informed. A major police investigation is underway.
Police probe possible firearm involvement
Detectives have said a line of inquiry is that a firearm may have been involved. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course, and enquiries remain at an early stage. Forensic officers and detectives have continued to work at the scene, examining the property and taking photographs, with a police cordon in place on the residential street.
The area also saw a major emergency service response, with an air ambulance deployed from Glasgow and tracked travelling towards Armadale before returning to the city.
Community reaction and linked car fire
People have taken to social media to express their sadness. One person wrote: "So sad my condolences to the family," while another said: "Condolences to the family cant imagine what they must be going through."
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they received a report of a vehicle set ablaze on Northrigg, a rural road leading to a nearby farm behind the scheme. The fire was put out by crews, and there were no reports of injuries. Police said enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of both incidents, and officers are keeping an open mind but are investigating them as linked.
Official statements and appeal for information
Detective Superintendent Michelle Findlay, of the Major Investigations Team, said: "Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died in this incident. Officers remain in the area and anyone with concerns or any information can approach them or call us on 101, quoting incident number 1361 of Saturday, 12 September, 2026."
Pauline Stafford, MSP for Bathgate, said she is "deeply concerned" about the incident, adding: "My thoughts are with the family and all of those affected. While investigations are at an early stage I would encourage anyone with information to share it with the Police."
A Police Scotland statement read: "Around 11.50am on Saturday, 12 September, Police Scotland received a report of a man injured at an address on Harestanes Road in Armadale. Emergency services attended and the 35-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin is aware. Enquiries are at an early stage and a post-mortem will take place in due course. However, a line of enquiry is that a firearm may have been involved in the incident."
The statement continued: "Around 12pm on Saturday, 12 September, officers received a report of a car on fire nearby in the Netherhouses area, near to Armadale. The fire was put out by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services and there were no reports of injuries. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of both incidents. Officers are keeping an open mind but they are being investigated as linked."
