In a chilling case of premeditated violence, ex-gamekeeper David Campbell has been found guilty of murdering his former colleague, Brian Low, with a shotgun on 16 February 2024. The High Court in Glasgow heard that Campbell, 77, harboured a "festering grievance" against Mr Low, stemming from their time working together at Edradynate Estate.
CCTV Footage Reveals Deliberate Tampering
Key evidence in the trial came from CCTV footage released by the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service. The video clearly shows Campbell disabling security cameras at his home in Aberfeldy using duct tape, in a calculated attempt to obscure his whereabouts and activities. This act of tampering was a critical component of the prosecution's case, demonstrating his intent to conceal the crime.
Methodical Approach to the Murder
The footage further depicted Campbell travelling to the crime scene on his wife's e-bike, armed with a shotgun that he carried in a bag. This methodical approach, combining the disabling of surveillance with the use of alternative transport, underscored the premeditated nature of the attack. The jury returned a majority verdict, convicting Campbell of murder after considering all the evidence presented.
Sentencing and Legal Outcome
Following the conviction, Campbell was sentenced to a minimum of 19 years in prison. The severity of the sentence reflects the gravity of the crime and the deliberate steps taken to evade detection. Legal experts have noted that such cases highlight the increasing role of digital evidence, like CCTV, in modern criminal investigations, even as perpetrators attempt to manipulate it.
The case has drawn attention to issues of workplace disputes escalating into violence, with authorities emphasising the importance of addressing grievances through proper channels. The community in Aberfeldy and beyond has been left shocked by the brutality of the crime and the meticulous planning involved, serving as a stark reminder of the potential for hidden conflicts to erupt into tragedy.
