The first minister has written to a Moray family to say he does not have the power to order a public inquiry into a teenager’s death.
Neil Riddel’s body was found in a field close to the family home at Aultmore, near Keith, in 1991.
His relatives have refused to believe that he committed suicide – the verdict of the original fatal accident inquiry.
Instead, they maintain that the 19-year-old died in police custody and his body was dumped afterwards.
Since the death they have continually campaigned for a public inquiry which would disclose details surrounding the death which they believe have been kept secret.
Alex Salmond’s letter was read with exasperation by Ian Riddel, the dead man’s older bother.
The 45-year-old mechanic said: “We’re not blaming Alex Salmond – he’s done his best to help. But as the leader of the country he should have the power to order a public inquiry.
“We’ve been fighting for the truth for so many years now. Nobody should be above the law.
“There is no way that Neil would have killed himself. Besides which, when I saw his body he had bruises around his head.
“It’s 23 years ago now but we will go on fighting. Each year we are getting stronger and stronger.”
The family suspect the police’s involvement in the 19-year old’s death because he had made a formal complaint for assault.
Also, at the time of his death a warrant had been issued against him for non-payment of fines.
A review into the death by the Procurator Fiscal’s office in 2008, backed the verdict of suicide caused by a probable anti-depressant overdose.
In his letter, Mr Salmond said: “As First Minister my powers to issue ministerial certificates are limited to two specific situations, both of which provide for information to be withheld rather than disclosed.”