Skye shooting victim John MacKinnon family release statement after tragedy

John MacKinnon, 47, died at Teangue in the south of the island after a gun was fired on Wednesday morning.

The father-of-six was described by his family as a “much-loved member of the community”.

In a statement released through police, 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.

Forensic officers at the home in Teangue, Skye where John MacKinnon was killed (PA Media)

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

John MacKinnon, 47, was a loving father of six who was much loved in the community, his family have said

His family also asked their privacy to be respected, police added.

Mr MacKinnon’s was the only death in a series of attacks on Wednesday.

Police were first called out to a property in Tarskavaig where a 32-year-old woman had been injured shortly before 9am before being called out to Teangue – around eight miles away – at around 9.30am.

READ MORE: Police Scotland give update on 'complex' probe into Skye shooting incidents

The woman is being treated in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, where police say she remains in a serious condition.

Later, they were called to reports that a woman and a man were injured in Dornie, near Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland.

The man, 63, was seriously hurt and is fighting for his life at the Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett, Divisional Commander for Highland and Island Division, addresses the media at Kyleakin Village Hall, Isle of Skye today

The woman, also 63, was taken to a hospital in Skye and has since been released.

A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder and the attempted murder of three others. He was also injured and treated in hospital.

He is expected to appear at Inverness Sheriff Court on Friday, August 12.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon responds to 'horrific' shootings on Skye and in Wester Ross

Police believe the incidents were linked and that there is no wider threat to the public.

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.

“The policing response was significant as people would expect and involved national resources from across Scotland, including Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee and Glasgow being brought in to support local policing on Skye and Lochalsh

“Local officers who live and work in these communities brought the situation to as swift a conclusion as possible and I thank everyone involved, including colleagues from the Scottish Ambulance Service, for their outstanding efforts in responding to what was a distressing series of incidents. 

“The investigation, being led by Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, is complex and challenging and I would also like to thank the local communities for their understanding and co-operation as we work through our enquiries.

“Given the size of the investigation and the fact we are dealing with a number of different sites, the considerable police presence will remain for the near future.

“We are working with local partners, including Highland Council and NHS Highland to provide support and welfare to those affected by the events of yesterday and I would urge anyone with any concerns or worries to please speak to our officers who are there to help.”