Court hears shocking details about Scottish highland shooting spree suspect
Highland court trial reveals new details about multiple shootings that happened in Skye and Wester Ross about 2 years ago. Friendʼs testimony brings up disturbing pre-incident conversations and weapon research
The High Court in Edinburgh is hearing evidence about a series of violent acts that shook the Scottish highlands couple years ago. Finlay MacDonald‚ age 41 faces charges for murder and attempted-murder incidents that happened across Isle of Skye and nearby areas
In a key-testimony Shain Westerman (who became friends with MacDonald after moving to Tarskavaig) told the court about their weekly man-chats. According to him MacDonald got mad about his back treatment and made threats: “going to sort out John Don and go out in a blaze of glory“
The accused allegedly attacked several people on that august morning in 2022:
- His brother-in-law John MacKinnon in Teangue
- Local osteopath John MacKenzie and wife in Dornie
- His own wife Rowena MacDonald in Tarskavaig
The court heard how MacDonald watched videos about shotgun effects on human-like materials; his friend didnt take threats serious thinking he watched too many westerns. Defense lawyer Donald Finlay questioned why this info came up in witness statement only 2 years after events
MacDonalds defense team suggests his mental state was not normal during these events — they say his minds ability to control actions was very limited. The case continues under Judge Lady Drummond; jury might consider different charge if they accept mental health defense
