In a court hearing, it was revealed that a former head gamekeeper, accused of murder, had expressed concerns that he would be arrested in connection with the crime.

According to testimony, David Campbell made this statement to an acquaintance from his time working on an estate in Aberfeldy, suggesting that the police had limited leads and would likely focus on him.

Campbell is on trial for the alleged murder of 65-year-old Brian Low, who was shot while walking his dog on a footpath in Leafy Lane, Aberfeldy, on February 16, 2024.

The 77-year-old defendant has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and has lodged a special defence of alibi, claiming he was not present at the scene of the crime.

On the fifth day of the trial at the High Court in Glasgow, jurors heard a statement from the late Peter Fullard, which was read out in court.

Fullard, who had worked with Campbell at the Edradynate Estate and had also done construction work on Campbell's home, had maintained a relationship with the former gamekeeper after he left the estate in February 2018.

The two men would occasionally talk on the phone, mainly discussing football, before Campbell's arrest.

Fullard, a builder, had also worked on an extension to Campbell's house and had gotten to know him through their shared connection to the Edradynate Estate, where Brian Low had also worked.

When Fullard learned about Campbell's arrest in connection with Low's death, he reportedly expressed surprise, as he had never seen the two men together.

Fullard stated that he had never witnessed any interaction between Campbell and Low, despite their shared connection to the estate.

In his statement to police, Fullard recalled that Campbell would often call him to discuss football, but never mentioned the murder.

Fullard quoted Campbell as saying that if he were going to kill Low, he would have done it years ago at the Edradynate Estate, and that he expected to be arrested because the police had no other leads.

Detective Constable Greg Irvine, one of the officers who took Fullard's statement in July 2024, read the document to the court.

Prosecutor Greg Farrell asked DC Irvine if Fullard had provided any specific dates for when Campbell made these comments, but Irvine replied that he had not.

However, DC Irvine later agreed that it was logical to assume the conversation took place before Campbell's arrest and the search of his home.

Fullard's statement also described Campbell as a skilled shooter and knowledgeable about firearms, given his experience as a gamekeeper on a prestigious estate.

According to Fullard, Campbell's expertise with firearms was a requirement for his position at the estate, which was known for its high standards.

Fullard also mentioned that Campbell had previously had firearms seized by the police, although he did not know the reason for this, as Campbell was not forthcoming about the details.

Fullard stated that Campbell had mentioned being "stitched up" but did not elaborate further.

In addition to the murder charge, Campbell faces a separate charge of attempting to obstruct justice.

This charge relates to an incident in which Campbell allegedly visited Crighton's Cycles in Blairgowrie to have two replacement tyres fitted on an electronic bike that was reportedly used in the crime.

Janette Crighton, who runs the shop with her husband Ian, testified that a man matching Campbell's description came into the shop on the morning of February 17, 2024, asking to have the tyres changed.

When asked by prosecutor Greg Farrell why the man wanted the tyres changed, Crighton replied that he claimed the bike belonged to his wife and that she planned to use it in the forest the following weekend.

Crighton noted that the existing tyres were in good condition and suitable for the type of cycling his wife planned to do.

Farrell asked if the man had explained why he wanted the tyres changed, and Crighton replied that he had mentioned his wife's plans.

Crighton stated that she had agreed to replace the tyres as per the man's request.

When asked if the original tyres were worn or damaged, Crighton replied that they were not.

The man had requested slightly wider tyres, which Crighton's husband later fitted.

After the work was completed, the man returned to collect the bike and was given the old tyres, which were considered suitable for the type of cycling his wife planned to do.

During cross-examination, Campbell's lawyer Tony Lenehan KC asked Crighton if the man who visited the shop had given his name as David Campbell, and she confirmed that he had.

The court later heard testimony from Patrick Spicer, a friend of Campbell's who had spent time with him on the day of the alleged murder.

Spicer, a retired oil worker, had known Campbell through their shared interest in bowling.

On the day in question, Spicer and Campbell had worked together on repairing a wooden bridge damaged by Storm Babet.

When asked about Campbell's demeanor that day, Spicer described him as being his usual self.

Spicer stated that Campbell did not appear to be acting out of the ordinary or showing any signs of distress.

According to Spicer, Campbell was someone who valued fairness and adhered to rules, even in casual settings like bowling.

Spicer described Campbell as a person who wanted to win fairly and did not tolerate those who did not play by the rules.

The witness confirmed that Campbell's behavior on the day of the alleged murder was consistent with his normal personality.

Spicer's testimony provided insight into Campbell's character and behavior on the day in question.

The court heard that Campbell's friend had observed no unusual behavior on the part of the accused on the day of the alleged crime.

A resident of Aberfeldy, Campbell is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of Low, with whom he allegedly had a history of animosity.

On the day of the incident, Campbell is said to have tampered with security cameras at a location in Aberfeldy, reportedly in an effort to hide his activities.

Additionally, Campbell is accused of attempting to hinder the investigation by getting rid of a potential murder weapon and an airgun, as well as replacing the tyres on an electric bike between February and May 2024.

Campbell is also charged with unlawfully possessing an air rifle and firing it on multiple occasions, and is facing five counts of breach of the peace, with the earliest incident dating back to July 1995.

It is alleged that Campbell engaged in disorderly conduct, causing fear and alarm among three men and two women.

Campbell's defence team has submitted a special defence of alibi, claiming that he was not present at the scene of the crime at the time of the alleged murder.

According to his lawyers, Campbell was at his home in Aberfeldy, not in Leafy Lane where the body was discovered, when the killing occurred.

Campbell has entered a not guilty plea to all the charges brought against him.

The trial, presided over by Lord Scott, is ongoing.