Murder inquiry into death of 36-year-old man in Inverness

Police are treating the sudden death of a man in Inverness as a murder.

Ross MacGillivray was found dead at a property in St Ninian Drive, Dalneigh at around 12.10am on Sunday.

Police cordoned off the scene, and an area nearby at the Caledonian Canal yesterday. Officers were still at the property today.

In a statement from Mr MacGillivray's family, issued via Police Scotland, they stated: “Ross was a loving husband, a doting father, loved by his family and friends and all who met him. He will be especially missed but definitely not forgotten. We love you to the Moon, the stars, Jupiter and Mars.”

Following a post mortem examination, Mr MacGillivray's death is being treated as murder and extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

They are particularly keen to speak to two men who were seen entering the property in St Ninian Drive at around 10.20pm on Saturday and leaving shortly after midnight in the early hours of Sunday.

Both men were last seen heading in the direction of the canal, and it's believed they were in the St Valery Avenue area at around 12.20am.

Enquiries have revealed they may have been in the company of a woman.

The first man is described as black, around 6ft tall, of slim build, with short black hair and stubble around his mouth. He was wearing a blue puffer jacket, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers, which were described as chunky.

The second man is described as white, around 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build, with brown hair, which was shaved at the sides and longer on top. He was wearing a black waterproof jacket, grey and black trousers and black trainers.

Detective Inspector Richard Baird, from Police Scotland’s major investigation team, said: “Our thoughts are with Ross's family and friends at this very difficult time, and we will continue to support them as our enquiries continue.

“It’s imperative we find out exactly what happened to Ross, and I’m appealing to the public for help.

“I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything they believe may assist our investigation to get in touch. If you have dash cam footage, private CCTV or doorbell footage, please bring it to our attention.

“I want to reassure people there will be an increased police presence in the local area while we carry out extensive enquiries. Anyone with information or concerns can also speak to these officers.”

Police Scotland can be contacted via 101, quoting reference 0031 of Sunday, November 12, 2023.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.