First Minister John Swinney has met the family of Nairn banker Alistair Wilson, offering his sympathies but ruling out intervening in the ongoing reinvestigation of the murder case that remains unsolved after more than two decades.
John Swinney First Minister of Scotland. Picture: Callum Mackay.
Mr Swinney had offered to meet with Mr Wilson’s widow Veronica and her son Andrew in December, at the prompting of Highland MSP Douglas Ross.
Mr Wilson’s family have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the way investigations have been handled to date, however Mr Swinney said at the time there were limits to what he could do in the face of a live police inquiry.
After the private meeting with the family yesterday he said: “My deepest sympathies remain with Mrs Wilson and her family and I am grateful to them for taking time to meet with me today.
Alistair Wilson and his family.
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“The family have endured an unimaginable loss and their agony is compounded knowing that those responsible for Alistair’s murder have not yet been brought to justice.
“While I cannot get involved in a live police investigation, I am thankful to Mrs Wilson and her son Andrew for giving me the opportunity to listen to some of their concerns and I sincerely hope the family get the justice they deserve.”
In September, Scotland’s top law officer, Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC, ordered a complete reinvestigation of the case with a new team of police officers and prosecutors.
Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell has said officers have a “resolute determination” to solve the murder – but the Wilson family has questioned whether she is fit to lead the force.
In November, it was revealed that a senior police officer involved in the original investigation, Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Livingstone, had been found guilty of misconduct after lying to the family about developments in the case.
The chief constable has previously declined to meet the Wilson family during a TV interview, something Mrs Wilson called “insulting”.
“Learning of this impersonal response from her through media reports was a devastating blow dealt by a callous police chief,” she said.
“And hearing Jo Farrell repeatedly referring to us as ‘that family’ in broadcast media interviews left us feeling like nothing more than a case number.”
In December, Mr Ross welcomed Mr Swinney’s offer to meet the Wilson, saying it was “hugely positive” news for the family.
Douglas Ross.
He added: “While I fully respect that there is a limit to what the First Minister can do in relation to a live police investigation, I know the fact he is prepared to meet with them is seen as a positive step forward by Veronica and her family.
“His response was in sharp contrast to that of Jo Farrell, Police Scotland’s Chief Constable, who has repeatedly refused to meet with the Wilsons. I have urged the Chief Constable to reconsider her position on this, and I hope she will. If Scotland’s First Minister will meet the family, why can’t the Chief Constable?
For two decades Alistair Wilson’s murder has gone unsolved and his killer has evaded justice.
I’m very grateful that the First Minister agreed today at FMQs to meet Alistair’s family to hear about the ordeal they have endured for far too long. pic.twitter.com/oAIlOxi16C
— Douglas Ross MSP (@Douglas4Moray) December 5, 2024
“The strength and dignity that Veronica, their sons and the whole family have shown for two decades has been incredible and I will continue to work across Parliament to get the answers they deserve and hopefully we can finally see this killer brought to justice.”
Police Scotland has been approached for comment.