Inverness murder: Police release more details about two men they want to speak to
Officers are keen to identify two men, including one man who is believed to have a Liverpool accent.
Last updated 15th Nov 2023
A top Highland detective has confirmed drugs is a line of inquiry which features as part of the investigation into the murder of an Inverness dad.
Ross MacGillivray, 36, was pronounced dead after he was found with serious injuries at a property on St Ninian Drive, Inverness, at around 12:10am on Sunday.
The investigation is being led by officers from Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team.
Officers are keen to identify two men, including one man who is believed to have a Liverpool accent.
Detective Chief Inspector Martin MacDougall said: "Extensive inquiries remain ongoing into the death of Ross MacGillivray and we are continuing to appeal to the public for information which could help our investigation.
"Incidents such as this are thankfully very rare in the Highlands and we fully appreciate the impact this tragedy has had in the local community and across Inverness.
"An extensive police presence remains in the area, including detectives from our Major Investigation Team and local officers from Highland and Islands Division.
"If anyone has concerns or information about Ross's death, then I would urge them to speak to any of our officers.
"Specialist officers continue to provide Ross's family with support and we would ask their privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time for them."
During a press conference earlier today, DCI MacDougall confirmed drugs is a line of inquiry they are looking into.
We asked DCI MacDougall if there is currently a wider drug-related risk in the city and if there is a wider risk to the public in Dalneigh and wider area.
He added: "I think there's wider drug related concerns in every community and Inverness isn't alone in that fact.
"It does feature as one line part of our investigation.
"There's nothing to indicate that the public or the local community would be at any risk from these individuals.
"That said, we can't rule out the possibility, so if anyone has any concerns about their safety I'm quite happy they contact the police and we'll do what we can to alleviate those concerns."
The detective said police are "particularly keen" to identify two men who entered the property where Mr MacGillivray was found dead.
They entered at about 10.20pm on Saturday and left shortly after midnight.
Mr MacDougall said: "They are believed to have headed on foot in the direction of the Caledonian Canal and were known to have been in the St Valery Avenue area around 12.20am, possibly in the company of a woman.
"If you saw any of these people, or believe you may have seen any suspicious or notable activity, please come forward and let us know."
The first man is described as black, around 6ft, of slim build, with short black hair and stubble around his mouth.
He wore a blue puffer jacket, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers, described by police as chunky.
He is believed to have a Liverpool accent.
The second man is white, around 5ft 8in, slim, with brown hair shaved at the sides and longer on top.
He wore a black waterproof jacket, grey and black trousers and black trainers.
In a statement released through Police Scotland, Mr MacGillivray's family previously remembered him as a "loving husband, a doting father, loved by his family and friends and all who met him".
The family added: "He will be especially missed but definitely not forgotten.
"We love you to the Moon, the stars, Jupiter and Mars."
Anyone with information can call 101, quoting reference 0031 of November 12, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.