The funeral of the father-of-six killed in a shooting on the Isle of Skye took place today, with hundreds of people paying their respects.
Two crowdfunders set up to help families affected by the attacks, which left John MacKinnon dead and others seriously injured, have raised more than £70,000.
John’s funeral took place at Kilmore Church of Scotland in Sleat and was conducted by Free Church minister Gordon Matheson. The media were asked not to attend.
John, 47, was laid to rest at the nearby Kilbeg Cemetery. Local businesses and organisations observed a minute’s silence.
MP Ian Blackford, who represents Ross, Skye and Lochaber, said: “The funeral is the first step towards bringing closure to all those affected by these traumatic events but there will have to be continued support for all those involved, especially the children.”
Rory MacLeod, minister of Strath and Sleat Church of Scotland, said even though the family involved were mainly associated with the Free Church, he made his larger church available because of the big numbers.
There were between 600 and 800 people at the service, which meant many had to stand outside.
Rev MacLeod said: “These things happen all too frequently, sadly, in cities but in a place like Skye they have far more impact because of the local connections of all involved. It becomes all-consuming. We will all work to support those involved now and in the future.”
A 39-year-old Skye man has made a second private appearance at Inverness Sheriff Court on four charges, including one of murdering his brother-in-law John.
Finlay MacDonald, from Tarskavaig, is also charged with attempting to murder his 32-year-old wife Rowena, mother of his four children.
MacDonald faces another two charges of the attempted murder of local chiropractor John Don Mackenzie and his wife Fay. The incidents are all said to have taken place on August 10 at Tarskavaig and Dornie in Wester Ross.
Today, a crowdfunder for John MacKinnon’s family stood at over £46,000, while another for Rowena and her family topped £25,000.
Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone has praised the bravery of the communities in Skye and Wester Ross, as well as the officers who responded.
He said: “This was a very tragic and extremely concerning incident in a remote part of Scotland and, of course, it’s a very difficult time for John MacKinnon’s family.
“Such events are very, very shocking and upsetting for that local community and, indeed, for the whole of Scotland. Our thoughts are with John’s family and friends and the communities of Skye and Wester Ross.
"I pay tribute to the dignity, bravery and resilience of John’s family and the community in that part of Scotland.”
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