Police ScotlandiStockThe case of a man charged with the murder of his brother-in-law on Skye called for a further hearing.
Finlay MacDonald faces a trial later this year charged with shooting John MacKinnon, 47, at his home in the island’s Teangue on August 10, 2022.
The 41-year-old is separately charged with the attempted murder of his wife Rowena McDonald, 33, and two other people the same day.
A virtual hearing – before judge Lady Drummond – took place on Friday at the High Court in Glasgow.
The trial in November in Edinburgh had previously been set.
The hearing was told that reports on MacDonald required by both his lawyers and the prosecution have still to be lodged with the court.
There was also discussion of any agreement of evidence.
A further virtual hearing was then set which is scheduled for September 25 in Edinburgh.
Prosecutors claim MacDonald killed dad-of-six Mr MacKinnon by repeatedly discharging a shotgun striking him on the body.
MacDonald is said to have previously shown “malice and ill will” towards him.
MacDonald is earlier alleged to have tried to kill his wife at her home in the island’s Tarskavaig.
The indictment states he struggled with her and repeatedly stabbed her on the body with a knife.
The attempted murder charge claims this was to Mrs MacDonald’s severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment as well as to the danger of her life.
Prosecutors allege the offence was aggravated “by involving abuse of your partner or ex-partner”.
After the killing of Mr MacKinnon, it is said MacDonald carried out murder bids on a chiropractor and his wife.
The alleged attacks on the couple – both 63 at the time – happened around 30 miles away at their home in Dornie, Wester Ross.
MacDonald is said to have fired a shotgun at the woman, hitting her on the head and body.
He is then accused of discharging the weapon at her husband striking the man on the body.
Similar to the charge involving his brother-in-law, MacDonald is also said to have directed previous ill-will towards the chiropractor.
MacDonald finally faces an accusation of possessing a shotgun with intent to “endanger life”.
The indictment states he did attend at and travel between the different properties while armed with the firearm and ammunition.
MacDonald had pleaded not guilty to the charges back in July in 2023.
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