The family of murdered Brian McKandie have launched a fresh appeal for information as they face their first Christmas without him.
Mr McKandie was found dead at his home at 4 Fairview Cottages, Badenscoth, Rothienorman, on Friday 11 or Saturday, 12 March 2016.
His family have urged anyone who might have information or had dealings with Brian to contact police even if they think that their information bears no relation to the enquiry.
Mr McKandie’s brother William said: “Christmas is traditionally a time people spend with their family and close friends and it is exceptionally hard for us knowing that we will never see Brian again.
“It is still incredibly difficult without him particularly at this time of year and especially given the circumstances in which he died.
“Brian was a quiet gentleman, he was very hardworking and was well known in the area for his livelihood as a mechanic.
“He didn’t have a lot of close friends but his business was well known in the local area and wider afield and he had a great many acquaintances.
“Somebody must know what happened to Brian and we would directly appeal to their conscience to call the police. We have lost a much-loved member of our family and just want to know why.”
Detective Chief Inspector Iain Smith said: “Our thoughts are with the McKandie family and we understand that this time of the year must be particularly difficult for them.
“This type of crime is very unusual in the north-east and has obviously been extremely distressing for Brian’s family as well as the wider community.
“Enquiries are very much ongoing and we are still urging anyone who knew Brian or may have a piece of information, no matter how small, which could help us to come forward.”
Police can be contacted on 101. Crimestoppers has offered a £10,000 reward for information that can lead to conviction and can be contacted on 0800 555 111.
