PERTHSHIRE politicians have reacted following the death of a 65-year-old man following a shooting on the outskirts of a Scottish town.
A murder investigation has been launched after Brian Low was killed as he walked his dog in the Pitilie area just outside Aberfeldy.
The death is being treated as murder and detectives are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Reacting to the news, Perthshire North MSP John Swinney said: “This is a devastating announcement and I express my sympathy to the family of Brian Low.
“I have spoken with @PoliceScotland and have been assured there is a strong police locally to address public anxiety.
“I encourage anyone with information to contact the police.”
Elsewhere, MP for Perth and North Perthshire Pete Wishart described what happened as an “utterly horrifying incident” and said his thoughts were with Low's family.
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“It is vital that all available resources are now employed to get to the bottom of what has happened and who is responsible as quickly as possible,” the MP said.
“I have been assured by Police Scotland that additional officers have been deployed to the area whilst their investigation is progressed by the Major Investigation Team and I would urge anybody with information that may assist the investigation come forward.”
Detective Chief Inspector Martin Macdougall, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts are with Brian’s family at this very difficult time and we are doing all we can to get them answers.
"We have been carrying out extensive enquiries since Brian's death and detectives are working alongside uniformed officers to establish the full circumstances.
"Our enquiries have so far have revealed that Brian was out walking his black Labrador along a remote track, shortly before 8.30am when he was fatally shot.
"Although this is a remote location, we would be keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time.
"I am also appealing directly to the local community, who might have information that could help."
Detectives have set up an online portal to encourage members of the public to submit information.
Police can also be contacted by calling 101.
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