TV documentary to highlight pub link to Alistair Wilson murder in Nairn
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A new TV documentary is to examine the possible links between the killing of Nairn banker Alistair Wilson and a nearby pub.
The father-of-two was fatally shot three times in the doorway of his family home by a mysterious stranger exactly 18 years ago.
Channel 5’s 'Murder On The Doorstep' states that, in the days before his death, the 30-year-old had objected to an outdoor decking area which had been installed for drinkers at the Havelock pub.
“We’ve interviewed a lot of people who were in that pub that night. There was a level of conversation within the pub being upset towards Alistair complaining about it and the potential that it could be taken away." – Detective Superintendent Graeme Mackie
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Detective Superintendent Graeme Mackie said: "Homicides often come from totally disproportionate, irrational reasons. Trivial matters escalate to disproportionate levels.
"I know it’s really difficult to try and comprehend but that is the only aspect that we can see in Alistair’s life that was causing upset.
"The Havelock pub at that time was a really popular venue.
"People were invested in this decking. People who attended that pub helped build it. They took a lot of pride in it.
"We’ve interviewed a lot of people who were in that pub that night. There was a level of conversation within the pub being upset towards Alistair complaining about it and the potential that it could be taken away.
"We want to find out if, during that weekend, anybody was making any threats.
"Was anybody speaking disproportionately about taking action against Alistair, demonstrating a level of real concern that would suggest Alistair may well be coming to harm at some point in the future?”
"We believe it’s the motive or part of the motive and we need the community’s help – those that associated with the Havelock, those who might have been in the Havelock, just to get a better understanding of what was being discussed."
Detectives have spoken to the pub's former landlord who now lives in Nova Scotia, Canada.
However, they state he is only a key witness, not a suspect.
Police now strongly believe that the motive behind the murder on November 28, 2004, centres around Mr Wilson's objection to the decking area outside the Havelock pub.
They are interested in a specific person who has not previously been part of their investigations.
According to reports the suspect was a regular drinker in the pub who was said to have kept guns in his home.
Mr Wilson's wife, Veronica, answered the front door on the night of the murder.
She later described the killer as stocky and wearing a baseball cap.
He handed her an empty blue envelope with the name 'Paul' written on it. He then asked for Mr Wilson by name.
She took the envelope to her husband upstairs, after which Mr Wilson came down to speak to the visitor at the front door.
Moments later three gunshots rang out.
Mrs Wilson found her husband dead at the door and by himself.
Detective Superintendent Mackie appealed for the public's help.
He said: "The investigation into the murder of Alistair Wilson is active and we continue to investigate any new information we receive.
"It cannot be stressed often enough that this crime has left a family devastated.
"Police Scotland is committed to finding the answers for them and bringing the offender to justice. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time of the year.
"Anyone with information that could help our investigation can contact the enquiry team through 101 or email SCDHOLMESAberdeen@scotland.police.co.uk."
'Murder on the Doorstep' is being screened on Channel 5 at 9pm on Thursday, December 1.
