Kevin McLeod’s parents are now demanding a public inquiry or an investigation by an outside force following the unreserved apology from Police Scotland’s acting chief.
Dad Hugh McLeod told The Press and Journal: “I hope the police don’t think this serves as closure to the matter. It is nothing of the sort.
Family of Highland man Kevin Mcleod receive personal apology from police chief
“It gives us closure on the fact police failed to act upon the Crown’s instruction to investigate Kevin’s death as a murder inquiry.
“This is not full closure however.
“We now demand that a public enquiry be held or that Police Scotland invite an outside force to investigate who all was involved in the decision by police to deliberately ignore the Crown’s murder enquiry instruction and why.”
He said they also wanted an investigation into “who destroyed Kevin’s clothing during which should have been a murder enquiry, and added: “The question has to be asked why, and for what reason, would the ‘local’ police take the decision to ignore a murder enquiry instruction, and why did the ‘local’ procurator fiscal fail to ensure that his specific instruction was fully carried out.
“Police continue to state that Kevin’s death is unexplained when in fact Kevin’s death is an un-investigated murder.
“The circumstances of Kevin’s death has been the biggest conspiracy and cover-up in the history of policing and justice in Scotland.”
Caithness MSP Gail Ross welcomed the apology from Police Scotland to the McLeod family.
She said: “I have been working with the McLeod family over the past 18 months. I’ve never met a more dedicated and tenacious family who are determined to see justice for their much loved son.”
She added: “I’m delighted with the outcome of the meeting and would like to take this opportunity to thank not just the McLeod family for their tremendous effort and determination, but also to Police Scotland, who have apologised sincerely for the mistakes and failures of the past.
“I hope that this meeting will give the family comfort and I would praise all involved in coming to this breakthrough.”
