A cold-case review is to be held into one of Scotland's longest running unsolved murder investigations. 

Scotland’s top law officer has instructed a complete re-investigation of the murder of nairn banker Alistair Wilson, 30, who was on his doorstep more than 19 years ago.

Mr Wilson was murdered on November 28, 2004 at his home in the Scottish Highlands while his wife and two young sons were inside the house.

Scotland’s Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain KC, said a new team of prosecutors from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service – and a new team of officers from Police Scotland – will work on the full cold-case investigation.

Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC said it was appropriate for “further investigations to be made” into the murder of Nairn banker Alistair Wilson in 2004.

She said: “This was a deeply disturbing crime in which a devastating loss was suffered by Mr Wilson’s family. There have been strenuous efforts made over many years to resolve this case and a great deal of evidence has been gathered.

“However, I have decided that it is appropriate for all the details of the case to be considered afresh and for further investigations to be made.

“It is my sincere hope that this secures justice for Alistair Wilson’s family and for the wider community who have been affected by this violent crime.”

Police forensics outside the home of Alistair Wilson in 2004Police forensics outside the home of Alistair Wilson in 2004 (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

Mr Wilson's murder bore all the hallmarks of a contract killing. He was at home on the night he was killed, and was summoned to the door by a man asking for him by name. 

After conversing with the man, he returned inside the house before going back to doorstep, where he was shot. 

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The killer then walked off across the village green, dropping the murder weapon in a drain, where it was later discovered by council workmen and handed to police. 

Despite years of speculation and false leads, no one has been prosecuted for the murder.