A housing association has drawn a blank in its search for a new tenant for a city-centre flat where a man was murdered.
James Chadwick was found dead in his home in Aberdeen after his worried family contacted police because they had not seen or heard from him for several days.
A post-mortem revealed the 37-year-old labourer died after suffering a “blunt force head injury”.
Two men were later charged with murdering him.
Langstane Housing Association has been trying to find a new tenant for the property at 26E Holland Street.
But the one-bedroom, £366-a-month flat has lain empty since Mr Chadwick’s death in September.
The property in an art-deco style block has a space in a secure car park.
Similar private lets in the street command rentals of between £525-£750 per month.
It is understood “at least eight or nine” prospective tenants have viewed and rejected the flat, with Langstane blaming the “unfortunate death of the previous occupant”.
Mr Chadwick, whose body was found on September 9, had been living in the city for several years, after moving from the north-west of England. His young son also lives locally.
His family described his death as a “great shock” and said he was a popular man who was well known around Aberdeen city centre.
Ryan Gibb, 30, and Cameron Laurie, 31, appeared at the High Court in Glasgow earlier this month accused of murdering Mr Chadwick.
They are alleged to have attacked him at his flat on August 31 and September 1 last year.
They deny the charges against them.
William Donaldson, a former neighbour of Mr Chadwick, said: “Back in September there were a lot of bobbies round in white suits collecting evidence so I knew something serious had happened.
“In a way I am surprised nobody has taken it, they’re really nice flats and you wouldn’t get anywhere private nearly as good.”
Another neighbour said that compared with private rented flats the property was “a steal”.
He said: “I’m roughly £330 a month, but my flat is a bit smaller than E.
“I’ve seen people being taken up to be shown the flat, but they must go home and search it and decide against.
“It’s been available for so long but it seems they just can’t rent it for love nor money.
“At least eight or nine people have refused it.”
Another tenant said: “I can understand how they feel but I think if you’re in desperate need then you need to take where you can.”
Ward councillor Nathan Morrison said: “It’s not surprising that they haven’t managed to rent it out given the history associated with the place.
“You can say they’re being fussy but at the end of the day you have to be happy with where you live.”
Helen Gauld, chief executive of Langstane, said: “I can confirm that Langstane does indeed have a vacant property in Holland Street and that there have been a number of viewings but unfortunately, despite a very reasonable rent and desirable location, the property remains vacant.
“The indications are that, despite reassurance from the association, the refusals relate to the unfortunate death of the previous occupant.
“The property was released to the association in early December and as Langstane is upgrading its IT system, 100% nominations are provided by Aberdeen City Council.
“However, they advise that they have exhausted their waiting list and are unable to provide further nominations to us.
“We are currently exploring further letting options available to us and hope to have the property occupied in the near future.”