Pictured: Millionaire financier's ex-groundsman, 65, shot dead as he walked his dog as 'devastated' family say they are at a 'complete' loss' over his killing

The family of a millionaire’s ex-groundsman who was shot dead while walking his dog have spoken out for the first time.

Brian Low, 65, was found with fatal gunshot wounds in the Pitilie area on the outskirts of Aberfeldy, Perthshire, at around 8.30am on February 17.

Emergency services attended but Mr Low, from Aberfeldy, was pronounced dead at the scene. His death is being treated as murder after a post-mortem examination.

Mr Low had spent 20 years working for wealthy businessman Michael Campbell MBE on the nearby 4,000-acre Edradynate Estate until last year.

His family said they are ‘devastated’ by the loss and are pleading for anyone with information to come forward.

They said that Millie, his black Labrador, was thankfully unharmed, and had stayed ‘by his side for as long as she was allowed’.

Brian Low, 65, was found with fatal gunshot wounds in the Pitilie area on the outskirts of Aberfeldy, Perthshire, at around 8.30am on February 17

A forensics officer places evidence cones on the footpath where Mr Low was discovered

Police at the scene in the Pitilie area on the outskirts of Aberfeldy, pictured today

Forensics teams scour the remote footpath where Mr Low was found

Police and forensics are examining the remote footpath where the body was found

The cordon put in place by Police Scotland where Mr Low was found fatally shot

A Police Scotland vehicle at the site where Brian Low was found with his dog by his side

Speaking to The Courier, his niece Jacqui Low said: ‘We are at a complete loss as to how this has happened to Brian.

‘His partner and brothers are devastated and appeal to anyone who has any information to come forward.

‘His devoted dog, Millie, stayed by his side for as long as she was allowed and is being cared for by his immediate family.’

Locals also paid tribute to the local man, calling him a ‘true gentleman’ and a quiet but ‘brilliant guy’.

The local councillor Xander McDade also said that the tragic death has rocked the ‘closeknit community’ and voiced his gratitude that the police have increased their presence to provide reassurance to residents.

Mr Campbell has sent ‘deepest condolences’ to Mr Low’s family.

A spokesperson for Mr Campbell told MailOnline: ‘Further to the extremely sad news of the death of Brian Low; we can confirm that Brian worked for the Estate as a groundsman and retired from his role in February 2023.

‘We send our deepest condolences to Brian’s family. We have no further comment to make at this time.’

Financier Michael Campbell has sent ‘deepest condolences’ to Mr Low’s family

A Pitilie sign by the track that leads to the site where Mr Low was found

A police officer pictured today talking with a postman at the site where Mr Low was found

An officer from Police Scotland pictured at the site where Mr Low was found

Detectives are now scouring the nearby area and have appealed for witnesses to help piece together the mystery behind Mr Low’s shock death

Mr Campbell is the Chairman of the Ellis Campbell Foundation, a family business of property investment companies, and has worked with numerous charities over the course of his life.

He is a former Vice-Commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron, and a trustee of the Hampshire Gardens Trust and the Hampshire Buildings Preservation Trust.

He is said to love ‘escaping’ to his Perthshire family estate, which was where Mr Low worked for around 20 years.

Detectives are now scouring the nearby area and have appealed for witnesses to help piece together the mystery behind Mr Low’s shock death.

A spokesman for Edradynate Estate told The Times: ‘He worked for us for about 20 years and was much liked and much respected and we’re very, very shocked about the news.

‘He was lovely. A good chap, a very nice chap. Hard-working. He wouldn’t say boo to a goose. He’s a nice guy so very sad, very sad news.’

The Sun was told that those on the estate were ‘very sad and shocked’ by the disturbing events. A spokesman added: ‘I have known him for many years and he worked with us until around this time last year.

A police cordon in place at the remote footpath where the body was found

SOCO and search teams from Police Scotland pictured at the scene

‘We do not know what happened. We knew he had died obviously but this news has created another level of shock.’

The Pitilie area is around three miles south of the estate, and just outside of Aberfeldy.

The remote path where Low’s body was found is near a glamping pod business, a firewood supplier and a restaurant and farm shop.

The area of Perth and Kinross is also recognised for its salmon fishing in the River Tay and its distilleries such as Dewars.

One stunned resident wrote on social media: ‘Wow this is so sad, it’s something that is so out of place in the community. Let’s hope the police find the person responsible.’

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Macdougall, of the Major Investigation Team, said: ‘Our thoughts are with Brian’s family at this very difficult time and we are doing all we can to get them answers.

‘We have been carrying out extensive inquiries since Brian’s death and detectives are working alongside uniformed officers to establish the full circumstances.

‘Our inquiries have so far have revealed that Brian was out walking his black Labrador along a remote track shortly before 8.30am when he was fatally shot.

‘Although this is a remote location, we would be keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time.

‘I am also appealing directly to the local community, who might have information that could help.

‘Anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant they feel it may be, should come forward and speak to detectives.

‘Please do not assume that the police already know the information you have.’

A police car is seen in the Pitilie area after a 65-year-old man was shot dead on February 17

The Pitilie area is around three miles south of the estate, and just outside of Aberfeldy

Police Scotland said that a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

The force said there will be a police presence in the area over the coming days and anyone with concerns can make contact with officers.

Local area commander Greg Burns said: ‘I understand this is an extremely concerning incident for this small, rural community.

‘I want to take this opportunity to reassure people that we are working round the clock to find out what happened to Brian.

‘We will have additional high-visibility patrols in the area and you will see significant police activity over the coming days.

‘Anyone with any concerns can approach these officers at any time.’

Perthshire North MSP John Swinney said: ‘This is a devastating and serious announcement and I express my sympathy to the family of Brian Low.

‘This incident will shock the community in Aberfeldy and will understandably cause public concern.

‘I have spoken with Police Scotland and sought reassurance that an appropriate police presence will be in place to ensure community safety.

‘In these terrible circumstances I urge anyone with relevant information to contact Police Scotland.’

Police can be contacted on 101, quoting incident number 0884 of February 17, or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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