The family of an elderly farmer who died after being found unconscious outside his home have made a fresh appeal for information seven years on.

Sandy Ingram, 80, was treated in the high-dependency unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after being found with serious head injuries outside his farmhouse in Newmachar, Aberdeenshire, on June 19, 2010.

At the time, it was thought he had gone out to investigate the sighting of two men on his land but detectives could not question Mr Ingram about what happened because his injury left him unable to speak.

He died almost a year later on June 2, 2011. His son Andrew said the family are still looking for answers as they made a new plea for information.

He said: "We are still hopeful that someone, somewhere knows what happened to my father that night.

"The last seven years have been extremely difficult for us as a family without him here to share birthdays, Christmases and anniversaries, and even everyday life is difficult as it is always on our minds.

"What makes it even harder is that we don't know what happened to him that night and are still looking for answers.

"We often thought he was trying to tell us things when he was in hospital, but unfortunately the extent of his injuries meant he was unable to speak to us.

"I'm sure there is someone out there who can help us and I would urge them to contact police and tell them what they know.

"Even if you think the information will not be relevant, please let the police be the judge and don't hesitate to get in touch. It is never too late."

At the time, it was reported that around 120 kitchen and bathroom taps were stolen from the grounds of Mr Ingram's property in the 10 days before the incident.

Police Scotland appealed for information on the two men seen in the grounds of the farm. One was said to be wearing a light-coloured baseball cap, possibly green, with a darker peak.

The other was wearing dark clothes and had dark, almost shoulder-length, hair. They have never been identified.

Detective inspector Richie Guild, who led the investigation, said: "As with all long-running inquiries, we will react to any new information we receive.

"A thorough investigation was conducted at the time but we have yet to establish what happened to Mr Ingram that night.

"Anyone who has information which they think could assist can contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you would prefer to remain anonymous."