The hunt for the killer of a Nairn banker almost nine years ago took a fresh twist last night as police launched an appeal for new information.
Detectives investigating the murder of Alistair Wilson are focusing on the gun used in the shooting.
The move comes just weeks before the anniversary of the 32-year-old’s death.
Mr Wilson, a father-of-two, was shot fatally on the doorstep of his home in Crescent Road on Sunday, November 28, 2004.
Despite a huge police manhunt, the killer has never been caught. Now, police have released new details about the gun used, in a bid to solve the murder.
Mr Wilson’s widow, Veronica, who still lives in the house where her husband was killed, said last night she did not wish to discuss the latest development.
However, Nairn councillor Liz MacDonald said the community would welcome the new investigation.
“It would be good to get closure and find who was responsible,” she said.
“I wish the police luck because it would be good for everyone. This has been particularly hard for the family.”
Police leading the inquiry have released photographs of the actual murder weapon in a bid to piece together its history.
It was found 10 days after the murder when a Highland Council roadsweeper dredged it up from a drain a few streets away from the Wilsons’ home.
At the time of the original inquiry, detectives from Northern Constabulary went to mainland Europe to try to trace the background of the weapon.
It is a Haenal Suhl Model1 Schmeisser’s patent handgun, which was made more than 60 years ago.
The .25-calibre ammunition used in the killing originated in the Czech Republic.
Detective Superintendent Malcolm Stewart said: “Alistair’s loved ones are still grieving for his loss and they deserve answers. They deserve justice. We cannot lose sight of that and we are determined to get it for them. We have kept them aware of developments throughout the investigation and they are supportive of our efforts.
“Our investigation remains firmly open. As with all long-running cases, it is good practice to periodically take a fresh look at the evidence and identify any new opportunities or lines of inquiry.
“In particular – and we’ve seen this time and again in other investigations – the passage of time can lead to significant changes in people’s associations.”
Mr Stewart said those who might have been reluctant to come forward with information nine years ago, for whatever reason, may be more willing to do so now.
“That is why the public appeal for information is so important and in particular why we have released pictures and details of the murder weapon,” he said. The investigation will be conducted by the new Major Investigation Team North, which has detectives based in Inverness, Dundee and Aberdeen.
It is responsible for major crime including all homicides in the area. Mr Stewart added that the team would re-examine the whole circumstances of the case, with specialist help from across Scotland.
He added: “This type of event is very rare in a town like Nairn and has attracted considerable interest over the course of the investigation. While I am, of course, aware of a variety of theories and rumours put forward about the case, both locally and in the media, it would be inappropriate for us to engage in that type of speculation.
“I can say that we are looking at a number of lines of inquiry and part of the work we will be carrying out will include taking a fresh look at all of the evidence available.
“We need to keep an open mind and it is important that we don’t rule anything in or out, particularly when there is a real chance this could put anyone with genuine, relevant information off of coming forward.”
Anyone with any information about the incident or who thinks they may recognise the gun should contact the police on 101 or through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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