Swinney meets family of murdered Nairn banker

John Swinney has met the family of banker Alistair Wilson whose murder has remained unsolved for 20 years.

The father-of-two was shot on the doorstep of his family home in the Highland seaside town of Nairn on 28 November 2004. He later died in hospital.

His wife Veronica and son Andrew said they welcomed the meeting with the SNP first minister, and thanked Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Douglas Ross for his help in arranging it.

Swinney said his deepest sympathies were with the Wilson family.

A team of detectives is reinvestigating the killing, which is one of Scotland's longest unsolved murders.

Mr Wilson's family has been critical of Police Scotland's handling of the case.

Mrs Wilson said: "I was extremely grateful to John Swinney for meeting with myself and Andrew and engaging with us over the ongoing investigation.

"It is welcome that he agreed to look into issues that we brought to his attention and come back to use in due course."

She criticised Police Scotland's chief constable, Jo Farrell, for not meeting her and her family.

Mrs Wilson said: "We find that deeply insulting and hope that she will urgently reconsider.

"We will not stop demanding answers and it was pleasing to have the opportunity to raise them with the first minister."

Police Scotland said the chief constable had been "very clear" the force was determined to bring the killer to justice.

Ch Supt Suzanne Chow, who is leading the reinvestigation, said: "This is a live criminal investigation and the relationship and trust with Alistair's family is a priority and must be built through myself, the SIO (senior investigating officer) and the family liaison officers.

"We have met Mrs Wilson and members of the wider family and will keep them updated on the reinvestigation."

Mr Wilson's son Andrew, who was four years old when his dad was murdered, said: "I have had to grow up knowing that this case is unsolved and all too often we have found ourselves frustrated at trying to get answers from the police."

Swinney thanked the family for taking time to meet him.

He said: "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."

Ross called on Ch Con Farrell to meet the Wilsons.

He added: "It is a positive step in the right direction that the first minister met with Veronica and Andrew and listened to them about the unsolved murder of their beloved husband and father."

Mr Wilson, 30, and his wife Veronica had been bathing their two young sons and getting ready to read them a bedtime story when the killer came to the door.

A blue envelope, which had the name Paul on it, was handed to Mr Wilson on the doorstep.

He went inside and showed it to his wife, but the envelope had nothing inside.

When Mr Wilson returned to the door he was shot.