Man given life sentence following murder and attempted murders in Skye and Wester Ross

A man has been given a life sentence, with a minimum of 28 years in prison, for the murder of John MacKinnon on the Isle of Skye, as well as the attempted murder of three other people.

A jury at the High Court in Edinburgh returned a guilty verdict on four charges against Finlay MacDonald on Friday, 29 November, 2024.

MacDonald, 41, was found guilty of the murder of 47-year-old Mr MacKinnon in the Teangue area on Skye on Wednesday, 10 August, 2022.

MacDonald was also convicted of the attempted murder of three others at properties in the Tarskavaig area on Skye, and in the Dornie area of Wester Ross on the same date.

Detective Superintendent Lorna Ferguson, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Finlay MacDonald’s actions in the three distressing incidents which took place in August 2022 in Skye and Wester Ross, were brutal and disturbing.

“He displayed an incomprehensible level of violence, and his crimes have had a lasting and devastating impact on generations of the families involved, and indeed entire communities.

“Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the victims and their loved ones at what is a difficult time for them, as they continue to grieve and recover.

“I hope today’s verdict brings some comfort to all those affected.

“I would like to end by making particular mention of the outstanding bravery displayed by the two officers who apprehended MacDonald.

“They acted under instruction to follow his vehicle and then put themselves at extreme risk by pursuing him into a house as shots were being fired.

“Their actions, which selflessly put public safety ahead of their own, brought this incident to an end without any further loss of life.”