Police vow to "relentlessly" pursue answers over the doorstep murder of Nairn banker Alistair Wilson in new TV documentary

Police have said they remain determined to solve the murder of Nairn banker Alistair Wilson in a new TV documentary.

Murder on the Doorstep aired on Channel 5 on Thursday and explored the 18-year mystery of who shot dead the 30-year-old on the evening of November 28, 2004 on the doorstep of his family home.

As well as speaking to journalists, former colleagues and friends the 90 minute programme featured some of the top police tasked with keeping the cold case alive.

Detective Inspector Gary Winter, of Police Scotland's major investigation team, said they remain committed to getting answers for Mr Wilson's wife Veronica and the rest of the family.

He said: "I think it's important for Veronica, the boys, his sister in Australia, all of those who have been impacted by the crime over the years, that we continue to relentlessly try and get justice for the family.

"To give them some answers that they have not had in a long time."

Mr Wilson was fatally shot three times in the doorway of his home by a mysterious stranger.

The business bank manager’s wife found him covered in blood after hearing three gun shots ring out.

The documentary looked at the various theories for a possible motive that have been looked at over the years including possible links to the IRA, corruption within the banking world and one of the most recent possibilities - a dispute with a nearby pub.

Mr Wilson had objected to a decked drinking area near his home at Crescent Road,which pub landlord Andy Burnett had to retroactively apply for planning permission for.

Detective Superintendent Graeme Mackie said: “Homicides often come from totally disproportionate, irrational reasons. Trivial matters escalate to disproportionate levels."

Detectives have spoken to Mr Burnett in Nova Scotia, Canada, where he now lives but claim he is only a key witness not a suspect.

Police now strongly believe that the motive behind the murder centres around Mr Wilson's objection to the decking area outside the Havelock pub.

And they are now interested in a specific person who has not previously been part of investigations.

According to the latest reports the suspect was a man who was a regular drinker in the pub and was said to have kept guns in his home.

Mrs Wilson had been the one to answer the front door to the man, who was later described as stocky and wearing a baseball cap.

He handed her an empty blue envelope with the name Paul written on it and asked for Mr Wilson by name.

She took the envelope to her husband upstairs after which Mr Wilson went to speak to the visitor at the front door.

Moments later three gunshots rang out with Mrs Wilson finding the father-of-two dead at the door and completely alone.

Detective Superintendent Mackie 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 and 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.”