Brian McKandie murder inquiry to be featured on Crimewatch
The murder of an Aberdeenshire pensioner six months ago is to feature on Crimewatch.
Brian McKandie was beaten to death in a ''brutal attack'' at his home in Rothienorman on March 11.
Officers have spoken to hundreds of people and undertaken one of the biggest forensic investigations in Police Scotland history but have yet to identify the culprit.
It was revealed earlier this month that DNA evidence has been found at the 67-year-old's Fairview Cottages home but no arrests have been made.
The charity Crimestoppers has also offered a £10,000 reward for information that can lead to conviction.
On Monday, the case will feature on the BBC's Crimewatch, where Detective Chief Inspector Iain Smith will make another bid for information. Mr McKandie's brother Bill is also to make an appeal.
Mr Smith said: ''We continue to appeal for information from the public to assist with this extremely unusual and distressing case, and I can only hope that tonight's programme will encourage people to come forward and assist us in determining the full circumstances of Brian's death. Brian was a 67-year-old man who lived alone, who worked hard as a self-employed mechanic and was friendly to everyone he knew. Why anyone would want to hurt him remains a mystery, however somebody, somewhere, knows what happened to him and I would urge them to look into their conscience and come forward. A dedicated team is investigating this incident with the assistance of a number of specialist officers and departments, however we are relying on information from the public. If you think you know anything that could assist please contact 101. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.''
The 1996 murder of schoolgirl Caroline Glachan in Bonhill featured on Crimewatch earlier in September.
Detectives said they received a ''positive response'' to the appeal with around 20 calls to the programme.