Police ScotlandA van driver has been accused of killing a leading figure in shinty in a road crash.
Malcolm Murchison, 70, is said to have been involved in the collision on the A87 near Portree on the Isle of Skye which resulted in the death of Donald Martin, 65, on May 5, 2022.
Prosecutors state Murchison was behind the wheel of his van with a loaded trailer attached which “exceeded the maximum towing capacity” of the vehicle.
He allegedly did not attach “a breakaway cable” – a legal safety requirement for such trailers – as well as adequately distribute and secure the load.
The indictment states the towbar “failed” and the trailer “detached” from the van.
It is then said to have gone onto the opposite side of the road and collided with a vehicle driven by Mr Martin.
Mr Martin was left so severely hurt that he did not survive.
The case called for a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.
Lawyers for Murchison pled not guilty on his behalf to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
Lord Scott fixed a trial scheduled to start in April 2025.
Murchison, of Skye, remains on bail meantime.
Members of the shinty community described Mr Martin at the time of his death as a legend in the sport.
He was a former player and held the honorary title of chieftain of Skye Camanachd, the island’s shinty club, after a career spanning 50 years.
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