Skye Shooting Trial Focuses on Accused's Mental State and Control

Prosecutors argue accused Finlay MacDonald was fully in control during 2022 attacks, while defense cites psychological conditions and emotional triggers.

Finlay MacDonald, 41, is on trial for the murder of his brother-in-law and attempted murders of three others during a violent spree on Skye in August 2022.
Prosecutors claim MacDonald’s actions, including stabbing his wife and targeting specific individuals with a shotgun, were deliberate and controlled, showing no significant mental impairment.
The defense argues MacDonald’s actions were driven by autism, PTSD, and personality disorder, exacerbated by personal stressors including marital issues and emotional distress.
MacDonald denies all charges and has lodged a special defense of diminished responsibility, claiming his mental state substantially impaired his ability to control his actions.
The jury has the option to convict MacDonald of culpable homicide instead of murder if they accept the diminished responsibility argument, with the trial ongoing in Edinburgh.