On August 10, 2022, a shocking series of violent attacks unfolded in the Scottish Highlands that culminated in the tragic death of John MacKinnon, the brother-in-law of the perpetrator, Finlay MacDonald. This heinous crime wave has resulted in MacDonald being sentenced to a minimum of 28 years in prison after being convicted of murder and multiple attempted murders.
Finlay MacDonald, a 41-year-old marine engineer, first attacked his wife, Rowena, at their home on the Isle of Skye. The couple’s relationship was notably turbulent, marked by his jealousy and suspicion of infidelity. On that fateful day, MacDonald confronted Rowena about text messages he had seen between her and her boss. This confrontation escalated quickly; in a fit of rage, he repeatedly stabbed her with a knife. Their four children, aged between 8 and 14, were witnesses to the horror as they heard their mother’s screams and attempted to reach her from the kitchen door.
After inflicting severe injuries on his wife, MacDonald left their home in Tarskavaig, located on the Sleat peninsula, and drove for approximately 17 minutes to Teangue, where he murdered his brother-in-law, John MacKinnon. Upon entering the MacKinnon’s home, MacDonald shot John in the kitchen. Lyn Anne MacKinnon, Finlay’s sister, was present at the time, and the acts of violence that unfolded left her devastated as she watched her husband collapse.
But the violence did not stop there. MacDonald continued his rampage across the Highlands, driving for another 40 minutes towards Dornie, where he targeted Fay and John MacKenzie. While Fay was shot while trying to protect herself and her husband, the couple bravely fought back against MacDonald, eventually managing to wrestle the gun away from him before police arrived and apprehended him.
The horrifying events transpired in the span of about an hour, and they sent shockwaves throughout the small, close-knit communities affected. The High Court in Edinburgh heard that the attacks were premeditated; MacDonald arrived at the MacKenzies’ home armed with a pump-action shotgun after having purchased the weapon for £625, equipped with enough ammunition to start a small war. Despite his claims of suffering from an “abnormality of mind,” a jury found him guilty of his crimes.
During the trial, testimony from victims and their families painted a grim picture of MacDonald’s psychological state and his volatile history. Judge Lady Drummond described the attacks as “brutal and mindlessly violent,” highlighting the heartbreaking impact on the families involved. She emphasized how the MacKinnon family felt as though they had lost the “life and soul” of their household due to John’s murder, and noted the lasting scars inflicted on the surviving survivors.
In a somber statement following the sentencing, MacKinnon’s family expressed their gratitude to the prosecution and described John as a man who left behind an “incredible legacy” for his children. They acknowledged the community’s support, and local officials including Skye and Raasay councillor John Finlayson spoke about the long-lasting effects of such violence on the broader community, noting the ongoing healing process and the need for continued support among residents affected by the tragedy.
The whole series of events serves as a stark reminder of how domestic issues can escalate dangerously and tragically, affecting not only those directly involved but entire communities. The quiet life in the Highlands has been forever altered by this brutal incident, and it highlights the importance of addressing underlying mental health issues and providing support to those in constricting and abusive relationships.
