Family of Inverness musician Iain MacFarlane 'devastated' after alleged murder

The family of a musician who was allegedly murdered in Inverness have said they are “devastated”.

Emergency services were called to a property on Strathspey Place at around 8.30am on Thursday, December 4.

Iain MacFarlane was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 32-year-old, originally from Ullapool, played regularly at the Bike Shed in Inverness’s Merkinch and the Discovery Centre in the Eastgate Shopping precinct.

His family said: “We are devastated by the death of Iain.

“We would like to thank the community for their support and kind tributes to him. It has brought us comfort at this difficult time. We ask for privacy as we continue to come to terms with what has happened.”

Waldemar Jaronski, 52, was arrested and appeared before Sheriff Ian Cruickshank last Monday.

Jaronski made no plea, was committed for further examination and remanded in custody.

He will appear again at Inverness Sheriff Court within the next eight days.

Jaronski is accused of attacking Mr Macfarlane with a knife and a bottle, and choking him.

Lochvroom and Coigach Free Church held a special service in memory of Mr MacFarlane.

A tribute read: “A gifted musician and friend to many, Iain Gordon will be sorely missed.”

The Discovery College in Inverness, which provides free drop-in support for people with mental well-being, substance abuse and addiction, also paid tribute to him.

They said: “It is with the deepest sadness that we are devastated to tell you of the sudden death of Iain Gordon MacFarlane – our lovely Iain.

“Iain has been an important and well-loved member of our community here at the Discovery College since we opened.

“His humour, his kindness and of course, his amazing musical talents have touched the hearts of all of us.

“Discovery College and the wider Centred community send our deepest condolences to Iain’s family and close friends. We will miss him terribly – in fact, we already do.”