Tributes to 'much-loved' grandfather killed in Skye incident as man charged over attacks

Tributes have been paid to a “much-loved” grandfather and dad-of-six killed in a series of attacks in the West Highlands.

John MacKinnon was described as a “loving husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather” by family members following his death on Wednesday morning.

The 47-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene in Sasaig less than an hour after a woman was allegedly stabbed in nearby Tarskavaig at around 9am.

Two other people were also shot in a third attack on the mainland in Dornie.

A 63-year-old man was taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness where he remains in a critical condition, while a woman, also 63, was taken to Broadford Hospital but has been discharged.

The woman injured in the Tarskavaig incident was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, where she remains in a serious condition.

A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the attacks.

In a statement, Mr MacKinnon’s family said: “John was a loving husband, father of six, brother, uncle and grandfather to his family, and was a much-loved member of the community.

“John loved the outdoors, was a keen motorcyclist and, as a loved father, shared his activities with his family.”

The man, who is charged with Mr MacKinnon’s murder and three attempted murders, is due to appear at Inverness Sheriff Court on Friday, August 12.

Police initially responded to calls relating to a woman being injured at a property on Skye shortly before 9am on Wednesday.

Armed response units and air support were later scrambled when reports of further shootings were also made in the second incident at Teangue before a third “firearm discharge” on the mainland in Dornie.

Officers said a taser was discharged in the lead up to the arrest. The gun used in the shooting was licenced and was owned by the man who allegedly carried out the attacks, officers said.

Police Scotland said the investigation was “complex and challenging,” adding a “considerable” presence would remain in the area for the foreseeable future.

Around 50 officers are working on the probe, with additional support drafted in from as far afield as Aberdeen and Glasgow.

Chief superintendent Conrad Trickett, local policing commander for Highlands and Islands Division, said: “The thoughts of everyone are with the family and friends of Mr MacKinnon and the three people who remain injured in hospital.

“These incidents took place in close-knit, rural areas and will have a significant impact not only on those directly affected, but also friends and neighbours living in these communities.

“Serious incidents which were witnessed yesterday are extremely rare and I would like to further reassure the local communities that they were dealt with and there is no further threat to local people.”