Police have launched a fresh appeal for witnesses three months after the body of a 67-year-old man was discovered at a rural cottage outside an Aberdeenshire village.
Brian McKandie was found at his cottage on Saturday, March 12 having been killed with a heavy weapon.
Yesterday, a fresh plea was made by officers in the hope of catching Mr McKandie’s killer.
Since the body was discovered at his cottage in Badenscoth, near Rothienorman, more than 900 homes have been visited as part of the investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Iain Smith said: “We are now almost three months on from when Mr McKandie was murdered and we would like to repeat our appeals to the public for assistance.
“House-to-house enquiries are almost concluded with over a thousand people seen who live within a few miles of Mr McKandie’s home.
“Sightings of various makes and models of vehicles have been reported along with descriptions of drivers and callers to Mr McKandie’s address on Friday 11 and Saturday, March 12 2016.
“Investigations continue to identify the individuals concerned, but a number remain unidentified.
“There is some consistency among some witnesses throughout Friday, March 11 2016, of two males who were seen speaking to the deceased at his address.”
One of the men was described as 30-50 years old and of a heavy build.
The second was said to be between 20-30 years old and of a much slimmer build.
Detective Smith continued: “There is some consistency among some witnesses throughout Friday, March 11, of a burgundy or maroon coloured ‘boxy’ estate car at the locus, with one of these witnesses describing it having a different shade on the rear passenger side panel.
“These two males and the car remain unidentified, as do a number of other persons who may have attended at the address to speak to Mr McKandie.
“It is believed Mr McKandie may have known his attacker through either friendship, business or a third party he has been introduced to.
“A large customer base that used Mr McKandie’s services as a mechanic has been identified, but we believe others have not come forward.”
Police are encouraging people to get in touch with any information, saying: “Whilst they may not necessarily think it is beneficial or relevant to the investigation, please report it and let us make that judgement.”