Murder trial date set for Edradynate Estate ex-gamekeeper David Campbell, accused of shooting former colleague Brian Low in Aberfeldy

A trial date has been set for David Campbell, the former Head Gamekeeper of Edradynate Estate in Perthshire, who is accused of murdering a former colleague, Brian Low, whilst Mr Low was walking his dog on Leafy Lane, near the Pitilie Track close to Aberfeldy in February 2024 (see here for background).

At a virtual hearing at the High Court in Glasgow today, 76-year-old David Campbell’s lawyer, Tony Lenehan KC, said Campbell pleaded not guilty to eight charges and lodged a special defence of alibi in connection to the murder charge.

Prosecutors allege Campbell shot retired groundsman Mr Low, having previously shown ‘ill-will and malice’ toward him.

Both the accused and victim were formerly employed on Edradynate Estate. Photo by Ruth Tingay

It is further alleged that prior to the shooting, Campbell had disabled CCTV cameras at Tigh Na Caorann on Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, in an “attempt to conceal” his whereabouts.

Campbell is also accused of attempting to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of the alleged murder weapon, and an airgun, and having replacement tyres fitted on an electric bike between February and May last year. It is alleged that Campbell dumped a number of items, including a box and a cartridge bag, at Aberfeldy Recycling Centre.

Campbell is also accused of being in possession of an airgun between May 11 2017 and February 16 2024 and discharging it without holding an airgun certificate. 

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 three men and a 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. These allegations relate to incidents said to have happened at Edradynate Estate, in The Square in Aberfeldy, and at Scone Palace in Perth.

Lady Drummond fixed a trial date of 2 February 2026 at the High Court in Glasgow, which is expected to last for three weeks. An intermediate hearing is scheduled in Edinburgh on 4 August.

PLEASE NOTE: As this case is live, comments are turned off until proceedings conclude.