A fundraiser launched to support the family of a father-of-six who died on the Isle of Skye has surpassed triple it's target in less than 24 hours.
John MacKinnon, 47, was pronounced dead at the scene in the Teangue area following an incident at around 9.30am on Wednesday. A GoFundMe page, which was launched on Friday to help his devastated family, was set with an initial target of £5,000.
Within less than 24 hours, £13,925 had been raised by 350 well-wishers. The fundraiser was set-up by Free Church Minister Gordon Matheson from the Sleat area of Skye, where the tragedy unfolded.
Mr Matheson, the minister for Sleat and Strath Free Church, wrote: "Our desire is to support the family of John MacKinnon, immediately following the tragic events of Wednesday 10th August, 2022.
"The family of 47-year-old John MacKinnon have released a statement through Police Scotland following his death in Skye.
"They 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 fund is organised by the charity Sleat Community Trust.
Finlay Macdonald, 39, from Tarskavaig, appeared in private at Inverness Sheriff Court on a charge of murdering his brother-in-law John in Skye on Friday. Macdonald was also charged with attempting to murder his 32-year old-wife and the mother of his four children, Rowen.
In addition, Macdonald faces another two charges of the attempted murder of local chiropractor John Don MacKenzie and his wife Fay in Dornie. The incidents are all said to have taken place on August 10 at Tarskavaig and Dornie in Wester Ross.
Macdonald made no plea to charges of repeatedly discharging a shotgun at his sister's husband, John MacKinnon and his home, shooting him on the body whereby he was severely injured and died. It is said to have taken place in Teangue on the Isle of Skye.
Prior to this, Macdonald is accused of stabbing his spouse with a knife or similar instrument to her severe injury and danger of life.
After Mr MacKinnon's death, Macdonald is accused of repeatedly used the shotgun on Mr MacKenzie, striking him on the body to his severe injury and danger of life. Mrs Mackenzie was also shot on the head and body to her severe injury and permanent disfigurement.
Macdonald made no plea, was committed for further examination and remanded in custody. He will appear again within the next eight days.
To donate to the fundraiser for John MacKinnon, click here.
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