Family of murdered Brian McKandie issue fresh appeal for information
The family of a murdered Aberdeenshire pensioner have again appealed to the public for information ahead of their first Christmas without him.
Brian McKandie was attacked at his home in Rothienorman on March 11 this year and was found dead the following day.
His family have issued a statement urging anyone who might have information or had dealings with him to contact police even if they think it bears no relation to the inquiry.
Mr McKandie's brother William, who appeared on the BBC's Crimewatch programme shortly after his murder, said: Christmas is traditionally a time people spend with their family and close friends, and it is exceptionally hard for us knowing that we will never see Brian again.
It is still incredibly difficult without him, particularly at this time of year and especially given the circumstances in which he died.
Brian was a quiet gentleman, he was very hard-working and was well-known in the area for his livelihood as a mechanic.
He didn't have a lot of close friends but his business was well-known in the local area and wider afield, and he had a great many acquaintances.
Somebody must know what happened to Brian and we would directly appeal to their conscience to call the police. We have lost a much-loved member of our family and just want to know why.''
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.
DNA evidence was also found at the 67-year-old's Fairview Cottages home but no arrests have been made.
Detectives believe Mr McKandie was killed with a ''heavy weapon'' and said the murderer's clothes would have been blood-stained.
Detective Chief Inspector Iain Smith said: Our thoughts are with the McKandie family and we understand that this time of the year must be particularly difficult for them.
This type of crime is very unusual in the north-east and has obviously been extremely distressing for Brian's family as well as the wider community.
Enquiries are very much ongoing and we are still urging anyone who knew Brian or may have a piece of information, no matter how small, which could help us to come forward. Let us decide if it is of relevance to the enquiry.''