An ex-head gamekeeper suspected the man he allegedly murdered of “foul play” and felt he tried to “set him up” after dead birds were found on the estate, jurors have heard.
Prosecutors have claimed David Campbell, 77, gunned down retired groundsman Brian Low, 65, on a remote track near Aberfeldy, Perthshire, in February 2024.
Campbell has pleaded not guilty to eight charges, and has lodged a special defence of alibi in connection with the murder accusation – claiming he was at home at the time of the alleged shooting.
Campbell suspected Mr Low “planted” items in his house that was raided by officials investigating alleged wildlife crimes, a court was told.
The High Court in Glasgow previously heard how the pair had worked together at Edradynate Estate in Perthshire.
On Thursday, Detective Constable Scott Leslie read out a statement given in April 2024 by Michael Campbell, the owner of the estate who later died in September 2025.
Mr Campbell, who is not related to the accused, described both men as good workers.
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He said Campbell was “very dedicated to his job”, ran the commercial shoots on the estate “very well”, and would only take holidays when he was “forced to do so” by his wife Elizabeth, who was known as Betty.
Mr Campbell additionally described Mr Low as a “thoroughly decent chap” and said he was “absolutely staggered” to learn of his murder.
Mr Low’s death was initially thought to be “medical-related”, but a post-mortem examination held days later revealed he had suffered gunshot wounds to the neck and chest.
Jurors heard how there had been repeated instances of bird of prey poisonings on the estate and fingers were pointed at Campbell.
Mr Campbell stated that he warned his head gamekeeper to “abide by the law” but did not believe he was behind the incidents.
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The court heard “black powder” was recovered during a police and RSPB raid on Campbell’s home and he was subsequently locked up for “28 hours” before being released.
In his statement, Mr Campbell said the “black powder” belonged to him, adding that Campbell was “aggrieved” by the raid and later implied that Mr Low had “planted stuff in his house” as items that were returned reportedly did not belong to him.
Crown witnesses Andrew Kennedy, 69, and Kerry Colvin, 59, also testified that Campbell had shared his suspicions with them.
Local farmer Mr Kennedy said in his police statement: “I am aware that David suspected Brian of foul play on the estate, and he thought that Brian was trying to set him up.”
Ms Colvin, whose mother owned a cottage on the estate, said Campbell was angry that police removed his grandchildren’s coats and was convinced Mr Low had “planted” something.
Mr Campbell said the accused “didn’t take criticism very well”, adding “things started to get less pleasant” ahead of Campbell’s retirement.
Mr Campbell said: “I would say that David leaving was not on good terms.”
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The court was also shown a formal written warning sent to Mr Low in May 2011 for speaking poorly of Campbell and his wife.
In Mr Campbell’s letter, it was noted that Mr Low had confessed to saying “some extremely unpleasant things about both David and Betty to people not employed on the estate”.
Mr Low was said to have apologised to the couple.
Mr Campbell praised the groundsman’s high standard of work, but wrote: “It seems such a shame therefore that you have so seriously prejudiced your position in indulging in such cruel gossip and expressions of antipathy towards David and Betty.”
Mr Low was warned he would be dismissed if something similar happened again.
The trial, before Lord Scott, continues.
