Inverness murder: Everything we know so far
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Police remain at the scene of the brutal murder of Inverness dad Ross MacGillivray last weekend.
The 36-year-old was found dead from horrific injuries in a house in St Ninian Drive at around 12.10am on Sunday.
Two men were seen entering the St Ninian Drive property at about 10.20pm on Saturday and leaving shortly after midnight.
- WATCH: 'Family are concerned and upset' following the 'very violent' murder of Inverness dad
- Tributes paid to 'loving husband and doting father'
Who are the men?
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. He is believed to have spoken with a Liverpool accent.
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.
Police enquiries have revealed they may have been in the company of a woman.
She has been questioned but was being treated as a witness not a suspect.
Detective Chief Inspector Martin MacDougall, who is in charge of the investigation into the death, would not say if she was under any level of protection but added: "Her safety is obviously of concern to us and it is something we will address with her directly."
Police have maintained a presence at the house and on Sunday had cordoned off an area of the Caledonian Canal, where the two men were seen to be heading.
What else are police saying?
Detective Chief Inspector Martin MacDougall said: "My message to the public is if you have any concerns in relation to your own safety or someone else's then one, contact the police and we will do what we can to alleviate those concerns and the other message is to the people out there that might be concerned to tell us what they know, but all I can say to them is come and tell us so we can do what we can to alleviate those concerns.
"Ultimately my team need to establish why Ross died at this property and that is the focus of this investigation."
He said: “Extensive enquiries remain ongoing into the death of Ross MacGillivray and we are continuing to appeal to the public for information which could help our investigation.
“An extensive police presence remains in the area, including detectives from our Major Investigation Team and local officers from Highland and Islands Division.
“If anyone has concerns or information about Ross’s death then I would urge them to speak to any of our officers."
DCI MacDougall also addressed public concerns of the rising rate of violent crimes across the Highlands and Islands.
He said: "I think when there's a level of violence of this significance, it obviously causes concern.
"There has been other highlighted violent incidents around the Highlands and Islands, but generally it is a safe place and incidents like this are very rare.
"When incidents of this nature do happen there is a particular focus on the level of violence and we need to do what we can to reassure the public, and do what we can to detect these crimes, as well as prevent further instances of this kind of violence."
And what about Ross's family?
“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.”
That was the message from Mr MacGillivray's family, issued via Police Scotland.
Officers have been supporting his family this week.
DCI MacDougall said: "Ross was obviously a son and father whose family dearly loved him and as such are very concerned and upset.
"His family are being supported by specialist officers to help them through this investigation and we are keeping them updated with what myself and my team are doing to find out who is responsible for his death."
And the wider community?
People have taken to social media this week to express their condolences.
One Facebook user said: "Only the best and loveliest of memories of our younger years. Always a heart of gold and the kindest of souls. Thinking of your family at this devastating loss."
Another comment read: "Such a tragedy, my heart goes out to his family and friends – especially his poor wife and children who have had their husband and father so terribly stolen from their lives.
"I hope the community can come together at this devastating time to help and support them in any way possible."
A former schoolmate wrote: "That smile and laugh I will forever remember, our memories I will hold close forever.
"My love to your family and the kids that you adored so much. RIP my friend. Never forgotten, you'll live on in our hearts."
Anyone with information can call 101, quoting reference 0031 of Sunday, November 12, 2023, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
