Skye: Trial begins for man accused of killing his brother-in-law and stabbing his wife

The trial of a man accused of murdering his brother-in-law on Skye begins on Tuesday.

Finlay MacDonald is accused of shooting 47-year-old John MacKinnon at his home on the island’s Teangue on August 10, 2022.

The 40-year-old man is accused of attempting to murder his wife, Rowena McDonald, 33, and two other people on the same day.

MacDonald, who denied all charges against him, was expected to be tried in mid-May.

But prosecutor Lisa Gillespie KC told the High Court in Glasgow earlier this year that a delayed expert report for the defense team meant the case “continues without resolution”.

Prosecutors allege MacDonald killed Mr MacKinnon, a father of six, by firing the shotgun repeatedly, striking him in the body.

He is said to have previously shown “ill will and malice” towards Mr MacKinnon.

He is accused of attempting to murder his wife the same day at her home in Tarskavaig, Skye, on the opposite side of the Sleat peninsula from Teangue.

MacDonald allegedly struggled with her and stabbed her multiple times, causing severe injury, permanent disfigurement, permanent disability and endangering her life.

Prosecutors allege he also attempted to murder John Donald MacKenzie and his wife Fay, both 63, as they traveled about 30 miles from Skye to their home in Dornie, Wester Ross, on the same day.

He is accused of shooting both into the body and into Ms MacKenzie’s head, allegedly causing serious injury, permanent disfigurement and endangering their lives.

He is also said to have previously shown ill will towards Mr MacKenzie and was accused of causing him to become permanently disabled.

MacDonald is also charged with possession of a shotgun “with intent to endanger life.”

Prosecutors allege he traveled between different properties with the firearm and ammunition.

The trial will begin at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday.

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