A murder investigation has been launched after a “doting” father was found dead in Inverness.

Ross MacGillivray was discovered just after midnight on Sunday in a home in the Scottish Highlands city.

The 36-year-old was described as a “doting father and loving husband” – as police issued an appeal for witnesses who may have seen two men leaving the scene.

The men were seen entering the property in the St Ninian Drive area at around 10.20pm on Saturday.

Officers were on the scene at 12.10am – minutes after the pair are believed to have left – but could not save Mr MacGillivray.

Image:
Officers were called to St Ninian Drive on Sunday

Paying tribute to Mr MacGillivray, his family said: “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.”

Police believe the two men they want to trace may have been accompanied by a woman.

The first man is described as black, around 6ft tall, of slim build, with short black hair and stubble, wearing a blue puffer jacket, black tracksuit bottoms and chunky white trainers.

The second man is described as white, around 5ft 8in 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.

Read more from Sky News:
Ex-caretaker jailed for sexually abusing children as young as six
Flights cancelled and thousands left without power from Storm Debi
Nigel Farage confirms I’m A Celebrity appearance

Detective Inspector Richard Baird, from Police Scotland’s major investigation team, said it was “imperative” officers find out “exactly what happened to Ross”.

“I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything they believe may assist our investigation to get in touch,” he said.

“If you have dash cam footage, private CCTV or doorbell footage, please bring it to our attention.”