Police launch fresh Nairn banker Alistair Wilson murder appeal
Police Scotland has today made a fresh appeal for information from the public in connection with the murder of Alistair Wilson in Nairn.
The appeal comes in the lead up to the ninth anniversary of the fatal shooting which saw Mr Wilson killed on the doorstep of his home on Sunday 28th November 2004.
Detectives have also released images and details of the murder weapon in a bid to piece together the history of the weapon.
At the time the incident sparked a significant man hunt and police investigation; an investigation which the man in charge of the enquiry said today is still very much open,
Detective Superintendent Malcolm Stewart said: "Alistair's loved ones are still grieving for his loss and they deserve answers. They deserve justice. We cannot lose sight of that and we are determined to get it for them. We have kept them aware of developments throughout the investigation and they are supportive of our efforts.
"Our investigation remains firmly open. As with all long running cases, it is good practice to periodically take a fresh look at the evidence and identify any new opportunities or lines of enquiry.
"In particular, and we've seen this time and again in other investigations, the passage of time can lead to significant changes in people's associations. Those who may have been reluctant to come forward with information 9 years ago, for whatever reason, may be more willing to do so now.
"That is why the public appeal for information is so important and in particular why we have released pictures and details of the murder weapon."
The gun involved was discovered on Wednesday 8 December 2004, in a drain on Seabank Road, Nairn, by council workers carrying out gully cleaning and subsequently identified as the murder weapon following forensic analysis.
Detective Superintendent Stewart continued: "The weapon is a significant age - dating back well over 60 years - so piecing together its history could very well help provide us with new leads.
"It is a Haenal Suhl Model 1 Schmeissers patent handgun, manufactured between 1920 and 1945 at the Schmeisser factory in Germany.
"The ammunition was .25 calibre made by Sellier and Bellot in Czech Republic between 1983 and 1993.
"Someone out there has information about what happened that day and I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who recognises the weapon or thinks they may know anything about it at all. No matter how small or insignificant it may seem, please let myself and the enquiry team make that assessment - it may be that it is the vital piece of information we are looking for."
He also confirmed that the investigation would be carried out by Police Scotland's new Major Investigation Team North.
The team, which is headed up by Mr Stewart with detectives based in Inverness, Dundee and Aberdeen, is responsible for major crime including all homicides in the area.
He continued: "We are committed to bringing Mr Wilson's killer to justice and MIT North will be able to call upon the full resources of Police Scotland in order to do so.
"We will have a dedicated team of detectives, based in Inverness, working on the case over the coming days, weeks and months, tasked with re-examining the circumstances. One of the benefits of Police Scotland is that we are able to brigade staff from across the country and the enquiry team will be supported by a host of specialists not only from this area but also from the Major Investigation Team's in the East and West."
He added: "This type of event is very rare in a town like Nairn and has attracted considerable interest over the course of the investigation. While I am, of course, aware of a variety of theories and rumours put forward about the case, both locally and in the media, it would be inappropriate for us to engage in that type of speculation.
"I can say that we are looking at a number of lines of enquiry and, part of the work we will be carrying out will include taking a fresh look at all of the evidence available. We need to keep an open mind and it is important that we don't rule anything in or out particularly when there is a real chance this could put anyone with genuine, relevant information off of coming forward."
Anyone with any information regarding the incident or who thinks they may recognise the gun should contact Police Scotland on 101 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
