The son of a Beith-born man shot dead on his doorstep has appealed for help catching his father’s killer.
Andrew Wilson was only four-years-old when his dad Alistair was murdered at their home in Nairn in the Highlands.
As the 16th anniversary of the killing approaches, Andrew, now 20, recalled the moment he saw his father lying on the doorstep moments after being shot.
He said: “Someone came to our family home on a Sunday evening while my dad was reading my brother and me bedtime stories after our bath. The next thing I know I am looking at my dad lying in our doorway covered in blood.”
Alistair, who was born and raised in North Ayrshire, attended Beith Primary and later Garnock Academy in Kilbirnie.
After school he went to study accountancy and business law at Stirling University, and later he found himself a graduate position at the Bank of Scotland.
He was sent to work in Fort William where he met and married German-born Veronica, a graphic designer.
In 2017, Veronica told the BBC: “He was one of those people you met and you just knew.
“It all happened very fast.
“When he said he’d be there at 8 o’clock, he was there at 8 o’clock – with a bunch of flowers.
“It was very nice having somebody who just instantly cared so much.”
The couple moved a few times, before settling at Lothian House on Crescent Road in Nairn, which had previously been a restaurant.
While still working for Halifax Bank of Scotland Alistair applied and was successful in getting a job in a start-up consultancy firm, Building Research Establishment, in Inverness.
He was expecting to start work there just a week after he was ultimately murdered.
Alistair was 30-year-old when he was shot at his home on Sunday, November 28, 2004.
At 7.10pm, Veronica opened the door to a stocky man, aged 35-40, wearing a dark jacket and baseball cap, who asked for her husband by name.
Mr Wilson went downstairs to speak to the man and was handed a blue envelope with the word “Paul” on it. He went inside briefly and then returned to the door for a second time when he was fatally shot. He died in hospital.
No one has been apprehended in connection with Mr Wilson’s murder and Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team continues to review and investigate the case.
Mr Wilson’s family, along with detectives, are using the approaching anniversary to make a renewed appeal for information in the hope of finally bringing someone to justice.
Andrew said: “I was four years old when this happened and my dad was only 30.
“There would be no more bedtime stories, no more playing football or helping him in the garden.
“My dad and I missed out on so many things together, showing me how to tie a tie, driving lessons and taking me for my first pint.
“I am now a 20-year-old with little answers regarding my dad’s death. For the last 16 years I have been left wondering why I didn't have a dad like all my friends.
“I still cannot believe how someone could shoot my dad dead on our doorstep while my brother and I were upstairs.
“The only memory of my dad I’m left with is the image of him lying on the doorstep.
“Photographs are all I have and no family should suffer the way we have all these years.
“I am appealing on behalf of my family to anyone who may have any information, no matter how big or small to please come forward. Someone out there could have the missing piece of information.
“Nothing can bring my dad back but knowing who did this and why could give us the closure we need. Any information could be crucial to our case.”
Detective Inspector Gary Winter, of the Major Investigation Team, said: "Almost 16 years have passed since Alistair was murdered and the case continues to be reviewed and investigated by specialist officers.
“The murderer was described in 2004 as a man aged 30-40 years old, stocky build and approximately 5ft4 to 5ft7 tall. Alistair’s killer would now be approaching his 50s or 60s and has enjoyed a life denied to his victim and his family.
"My appeal today is about various aspects of the investigation.
"The handgun used was a Haenel Suhl pocket pistol from the 1930s which has a distinctive H and S letters superimposed on the grip.
“We believe this weapon is likely to have been taken to the UK after World War Two as some form of souvenir, however the ammunition used in the murder is from the 1980s or 90s.
"Do you know of anyone who had a similar pocket pistol? Do you know of anyone who mentioned having firearm souvenirs from the World War Two or from any family who were World War Two veterans?
"The blue envelope handed to Alistair by the killer had the name ‘Paul’ on it, which may or may not be relevant. Does this mean anything to you in the context of this investigation?
“Lastly, do you know any other person by the name ‘Alistair Wilson’, who may have been the intended target of violence or retribution to any extent?
"We remain committed to ensuring the person responsible for Alistair’s murder is brought to justice so that we can give his family the answers they deserve.
“Sixteen years is undeniably a long time however it is certainly no barrier to justice.
“Someone out there knows what happened to Alistair and I hope this appeal today serves as a vital reminder that it is never too late to come forward with information. Do not assume that the police already know the information you possess."
Anyone who believes they can assist the police is asked to contact 101, quoting reference 0994 of 11 October, 2020, or you can e-mail a dedicated inbox at SCDHOLMESAberdeen@scotland.pnn.police.uk
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