A north MSP is to write to prosecutors to seek clarification about new evidence in the 30-year mystery surrounding the death of former SNP vice chairman Willie McRae.
The prominent lawyer and anti-nuclear campaigner was found dead in his crashed car on the A87 Kyle to Invergarry road near Invergarry on Saturday, April 9, 1985.
It was initially thought the 61-year-old had died in a road accident, but when he was admitted to hospital medics discovered he had a gunshot wound to his head.
Suicide was suggested by officials as the probable cause, however, many continue to believe he was murdered – largely because the gun was found some distance from his car.
No fatal accident inquiry was ever held into Mr McRae’s death.
Northern Constabulary and the procurator fiscal continued to investigate the case until the end of June 1985.
Now a re-examination of the evidence suggests police may have moved the activist’s vehicle in the aftermath of the smash.
Students on Strathclyde University’s investigative journalism course say they have uncovered a series of anomalies in police documentation only available since 2005 under Freedom of Information legislation.
It has been claimed the car was taken away when officers believed they were dealing with a straightforward accident – then taken back to the scene to be photographed when it became apparent that Mr McRae had been shot.
Highlands and Islands Independent MSP John Finnie, who served as an officer with Northern Constabulary for 27 years, said he would be seeking answers from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
“The focus has never been off the untimely death of Mr McRae,” he said.
“However, this particular anniversary has once again drawn attention to the great interest there is in the case.
“I know the authorities wish the issue dropped. Indeed, it’s what they have repeatedly requested I do. But the passage of time has highlighted ever increasing frailties in the initial – and subsequent – inquiries.
“The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal service, like elected politicians, are charged with acting in the public interest and I hope this ‘new’ information will prompt them to do just that, and cause an objective and rigorous examination of how a Scottish citizen died of a gunshot.”