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‘I believe murderer knew victim’, says police chief investigating Aberdeenshire death

Brian McKandie was found dead at his home
Brian McKandie was found dead at his home

The detective at the helm of an investigation into the murder of an Aberdeenshire man is convinced the victim knew his killer.

Respected mechanic and handyman Brian McKandie, 67, was found dead at his rural cottage in Badenscoth, near Rothienorman, on Saturday, March 12.

Police have confirmed that a heavy weapon was used to carry out the attack in his home at Fairview Cottage, where forensic teams continue to hunt for clues almost two months later.

And yesterday Detective Chief Inspector Iain Smith – who is leading the hunt for Mr McKandie’s murderer – explained his view the two were inter-connected in some way.

He said: “If I was asked what my best theory on this was, I believe it is somebody that probably knows Mr McKandie in some shape or form, either through friendship, business or perhaps through a third party he’s been introduced to.

“I don’t think it is a random act, but I can’t discount that [possibility] at the moment.”

He added that clues unearthed during the murder probe suggested the killer “was somebody who would have known where Mr McKandie lived”.

“I think the answer will lie in the community somewhere, and someone in the community will know someone or have suspicions”.

“The appeal is for them to come forward. We have had a really good response from the community to date. I still don’t understand why he met the death he has.”

DCI Smith said it was a “challenging” piece of police work “for a number of reasons”.

He added: “It is in a rural place – there is not the same kind of CCTV coverage you get in Aberdeen City Centre. But from that side, what did we do before CCTV?

“We still have to do the methodical, conventional investigation that means speaking to a lot of people and double-checking everything we get given. It can take some time to do that.”

DCI Smith added there were still “gaps in his (Mr McKandie’s) movement” on Friday, March 11 – the day they believe he died, and he is keen to make contact with the occupants of a burgundy estate car seen near his home that day.

A memorial service to mark Mr McKandie life was held at Auchterless Parish Church last month and was attended by some 200 people.