A man has been jailed for life for murdering and robbing a mechanic in Aberdeenshire.

Brian McKandie, 67, was found dead at his cottage in Badenscoth near Rothienorman on March 12, 2016.

His death was initially treated as an accident, however 25-year-old Steven Sidebottom was last month convicted of the pensioner's murder.

Sidebottom was given a mandatory life sentence at the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday and told to serve a minimum of 21 years in prison.

An 18-day trial heard how Sidebottom grew increasingly desperate for money in the lead up to the murder.

He had a VAT bill to pay and was worried about financing his girlfriend's birthday present.

Sidebottom had heard stories about Mr McKandie "keeping money in a shoebox" and visited the cottage to carry out the murder and robbery.

The pensioner's battered and blooded body was found on his living-room floor the following day. He had been struck on the head at least 15 times.

During the police investigation, more than £200,000 was found in tins and boxes in the cottage.

Sentencing Sidebottom, Judge Lord Uist said: "The degree of violence used was severe and extreme. This was, in any view, a very brutal murder."

Brian McKandie's brother William told STV News he was glad the case was over.

He said: "I just think he's [Sidebottom] quite an arrogant sort of person, I think he kind of manipulates people in the evidence i've heard.

[Brian] was quite a sociable chap. He spoke to everybody. He helped everybody you could say.

"He was just an ordinary bloke, making a few pounds he's obviously stashed away but that's another story.

"Usually he was well regarded by most people.

"I'll just be glad it's all over really. I probably won't be here when he comes out hopefully.

"I'll just have to move on. Get on with our lives."

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Superintendent Iain Smith said: "Sidebottom is a cruel and calculated murderer who has yet to show any remorse for his actions.

"He killed Brian within the pensioner's own home in the most brutal of ways and a painstaking and thorough investigation was launched by Police Scotland's major investigation team to bring this complex circumstantial case to court.

"The most important thing is that Brian's family now has the justice they deserve."