FacebookThe case of a former head gamekeeper charged with shooting a man to death called for the last time before he stands trial next year.
David Campbell, 76, is accused of murdering James Brian Low on Leafy Lane near to the Pitilie Track in Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross on February 16, 2024.
The charge states Campbell had initially disabled CCTV cameras at Tigh Na Caorann in the town’s Crieff Road in an “attempt to conceal” his whereabouts.
He is then alleged to have discharged a shotgun at 65-year-old Mr Low, leaving him so severely hurt that he died at the scene.
Prosecutors claim Campbell had previously shown “malice and ill-will” towards former estate worker Mr Low before the shooting.
The pensioner faces a separate charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice following the death.
This includes a claim he got rid of the shotgun at an unknown location.
He is said to have had two replacement tyres fitted on an e-bike that he used during the shooting.
Campbell also allegedly dumped a number of items including a box and a cartridge bag at Aberfeldy Recycling Centre.
It is further claimed he disposed of an air gun – also at an unspecified location – that he had often discharged over a seven-year period at Tigh Na Caorann.
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 four men and one 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.
Locations in these charges are the Edradynate Estate, The Square and Ardlach House, all in Aberfeldy as well as Scone Palace in Perth.
Campbell had previously pled not guilty when the case first called in March this year.
His legal team had lodged a special defence of alibi in connection with the murder charge.
A further short hearing occurred at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday to check on a number of legal matters in connection with the trial.
Advocate depute Greg Farrell is now leading the prosecution team in the case.
The trial is due to be before judge Lord Scott.
Lord Cubie presided over the hearing. He continued the case until the already set three-week trial, which is scheduled to start in February 2026.
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