Key Points
- David Campbell, 76, former head gamekeeper at Edradynate Estate, faces trial at High Court in Glasgow for allegedly murdering James Brian Low, 65, on 16 February 2024 near Aberfeldy.
- Prosecutors allege Campbell disabled CCTV cameras at Tigh Na Caorann, Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, before shooting Mr Low while he walked his dog on Leafy Lane near Pitilie Track.
- Campbell faces additional charges of attempting to defeat justice by disposing of a shotgun, an airgun, and other items, plus five historical breach of the peace charges from the 1990s and 2010s.
- Campbell has pleaded not guilty, lodged an alibi defence for the murder, and has been on remand since May 2024; the three-week trial before Lord Scott starts in February 2026.
Aberfeldy (Glasgow Express) February 4, 2026 – The trial of David Campbell, a 76-year-old former head gamekeeper accused of murdering dog walker James Brian Low, is set to commence at the High Court in Glasgow.
Prosecutors claim Campbell showed malice towards Mr Low, a former estate worker, before allegedly discharging a shotgun at him on 16 February 2024, leaving him fatally injured at the scene near Leafy Lane and Pitilie Track.
What charges does David Campbell face?
According to STV News, Campbell is accused of disabling CCTV cameras at Tigh Na Caorann on Crieff Road in an attempt to conceal his whereabouts prior to the shooting.
Reporting by STV News states Campbell faces a separate charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice, including disposing of the shotgun at an unknown location, fitting replacement tyres on an e-bike used in the incident, and dumping a box, cartridge bag, and bicycle tyres at Aberfeldy Recycling Centre.
What is the background to the case?
Raptor Persecution UK reports Campbell, former head gamekeeper at Edradynate Estate near Aberfeldy, Perthshire, also faces five breach of the peace charges dating back to the mid-1990s, including threats to shoot individuals at locations such as Edradynate Estate, The Square, Ardlach House in Aberfeldy, and Scone Palace in Perth.
Who are the key figures in the trial?
STV News coverage indicates Campbell pleaded not guilty when the case first called in March 2025, with his legal team, led by advocate Tony Lenehan KC, lodging a special defence of alibi for the murder charge; a pre-trial hearing in November 2025 was overseen by Lord Cubie, with Advocate Depute Greg Farrell leading the prosecution.
When will the trial take place?
The three-week trial is scheduled to begin before judge Lord Scott at the High Court in Glasgow this month, as confirmed in recent pre-trial proceedings reported by STV News and Raptor Persecution UK.
Campbell has remained on remand since May 2024 pending these proceedings.
