DETECTIVES have issued a major update after a search began for the gun involved in a Glasgow gangland murder almost nine years ago.
Police probing the brutal killing of Euan "EJ" Johnston in 2016 announced they would be carrying out searches near the Soroba Road area of Oban on Tuesday, July 8.
The 26-year-old was fatally shot during a targeted attack while he sat in his car on Scotland Street in Glasgow, on November 15 of that year.
Johnston died from his injuries. Following that, on May 10, 2018, a 33-year-old man was convicted of his murder at the High Court in Glasgow.
According to the police, more than one person was at the scene of the murder, and the case remains open.
On Tuesday afternoon, the force said a team of detectives, specialist officers, and national resources began searching the area in Oban.
Officers launched the search as they believed a firearm connected to the murder may have been located in the area.
However, on Friday, July 11, detectives revealed that searches in Oban have now concluded.
The force said that no weapon had been recovered during the searches; however, further enquiries are continuing and the probe remains open.
Detective Superintendent Peter Sharp said: “I’d like to thank the public for their cooperation during this activity and stress that we are continuing to appeal for any new information which may assist.
“From our extensive enquiries, we know that more than one person was at the scene of Euan Johnston’s murder, and we are determined to bring those responsible to justice.
"We are continuing the investigation, and if you have any information, no matter how insignificant, please come forward.
“Any new information we receive is taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson added: "Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 0741 of Monday, July 7, 2025.
"Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Following the murder, two friends were driving home after a meal in the city's southside.
The driver of the Audi RS4, Euan Johnston, was on the phone to his partner, 33-year-old Danielle Carruthers, to let her know he was heading home.
Johnston was waiting at traffic lights when an Audi Q5 pulled up alongside his car at the junction of Shields Road and Scotland Street in Kinning Park.
A man then stepped out and opened fire with three shots before jumping back in the motor and speeding off.
As he was fatally shot, Johnston's foot floored the accelerator, and his car lurched forward into a barrier, crumpling the front end.
The driver's window of the mangled Audi RS4 was also blown out, with shattered glass littering the footwell.
The front seat passenger, former Scots guard Brian McMahon, 31, urgently contacted emergency services to say that his pal had been shot.
After being rushed to Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Johnston died a few hours later after his life support machine was switched off.
Meanwhile, the Audi Q5 escaped onto the M8 over the Kingston Bridge towards the north of the city.
Detectives then quickly established a timeline for the murder, with CCTV showing the victim being tailed for up to an hour before the shooting by the getaway motor.
The car used by the gunman and alleged accomplices was later found burnt out in Balmore Road, Milton.
Following his death, Johnston's funeral took place at St Columba Church in Glasgow's Maryhill in March 2017.
