The trial of a man accused of murdering his brother-in-law on Skye begins on Tuesday.

Finlay MacDonald is accused of shooting John MacKinnon, 47, at his home in the island’s Teangue on August 10, 2022.

The 40-year-old is separately charged with the attempted murder of his wife Rowena McDonald, 33, and two other people on the same day.

MacDonald, who denies all charges against him, was due to be arraigned in mid-May.

But a delayed expert report for his defense team means the case “drags on without resolution”, prosecutor Lisa Gillespie KC told the High Court in Glasgow earlier this year.

Prosecutors allege MacDonald killed Mr MacKinnon, a father of six, by repeatedly firing a shotgun and striking him in the body.

He is said to have previously shown “malice and ill will” towards MacKinnon.

He is accused of attempting to murder his wife on the same day at their home in Tarskavaig, Skye, on the opposite side of the Sleat Peninsula from Teangue.

MacDonald is alleged to have wrestled with her and repeatedly stabbed her with a knife, causing serious injuries, permanent disfigurement, permanent impairment and endangering her life.

Prosecutors allege he also attempted to murder John Donald MacKenzie and his wife Fay, both aged 63, on the same day, traveling around 30 miles from Skye to their home in Dornie, Wester Ross.

He is accused of shooting both the body and Mrs MacKenzie in the head, allegedly causing serious injuries, permanent disfigurement and endangering their lives.

He is also said to have previously shown ill will towards Mr MacKenzie and is accused of causing him permanent impairment.

MacDonald is also charged with possessing a shotgun with “intent to endanger life.”

Prosecutors allege that he traveled between the different properties armed with the firearm and ammunition.

The trial begins on Tuesday at the High Court in Edinburgh.

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