The family of a "beloved" man violently murdered in his own home has paid tribute to him.

Brian McKandie’s body was discovered at Fairview Cottages in Rothienorman, Aberdeenshire, on March 12.

Police have appealed for information about two men they believe visited the 67-year-old the previous day.

In a statement, Mr McKandie’s family described him as a “hard-working” and “dedicated” man.

They said: “Brian was a dearly beloved brother of William, Margaret and the late Elizabeth, brother-in-law, uncle and friend to many.

“He was a genial sort of chap with a dry sense of humour. He was hard-working and very dedicated to his business.

“We have been shocked by the recent events and would ask that our privacy is respected at this difficult time.”