Man back in court over 'murder of brother-in-law' and Skye 'stabbing'

A man has made a second private appearance at Inverness Sheriff Court on a total of four charges including one of murdering his brother-in-law on Skye.

Finlay Macdonald from Tarskavaig is also charged with attempting to murder his 32 year old wife, Rowena and the mother of his four children.

In addition, the 39-year-old faces another two charges of the attempted murder of local chiropractor John Don MacKenzie at Blanuskan, Princes Street, Dornie and his wife Fay.

The incidents are all said to have taken place on August 10 at Tarskavaig and Dornie in Wester Ross.

Macdonald again made no plea to repeatedly discharging a shotgun at his sister’s husband, John MacKinnon at his home, shooting him on the body whereby he was severely injured and murdered him.

It is said to have taken place at An Gleannan, Saasaig, Teangue, Isle of Skye.

Prior to this, Macdonald is accused of stabbing his spouse with a knife or similar instrument to her severe injury and danger of life.

After Mr MacKinnon’s death, Macdonald is said to have repeatedly used the shotgun on Mr MacKenzie, striking him on the body to his severe injury and danger of life.

Mrs Mackenzie was also shot on the head and body to her severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

Macdonald appeared by video link at the Inverness Justice Centre before Sheriff Robert Frazer and was represented by Inverness solicitor John MacColl.

Macdonald made no plea, was fully committed and remanded in custody and is expected to return to court at a later date.