The wife of an alleged gunman has spoken for the first time how their family experienced the darkest moments of their lives after the harrowing incident on the Isle of Skye. Rowena MacDonald, 32, was rushed to hospital after husband Finlay MacDonald, 39, allegedly stabbed her at their home in Tarskavaig on August 10.
MacDonald is accused of stabbing Rowena with a knife or similar instrument to her severe injury and danger of life. He also faces charges of murdering his brother-in-law John MacKinnon in the Teangue area, as well as two further charges of the attempted murder of local chiropractor John Don MacKenzie and his wife Fay in Dornie.
Rowena has now revealed the family are working to put the 'darkest moments' of their lives behind them as they look forward to a fresh start.
In a social media post, Rowena thanked everyone for their support and praised the emergency services. She said: "This will be a long road and there is a lot yet to work through but I honestly cannot thank every single person who donated enough - you have helped get us back together and to where we are now."
"We have had the darkest moments of our lives earlier this year; we are now putting them behind us and excited to start this new adventure.
"We could not have got to this point without the staggering support of many, many (hundreds) of people, for this we shall forever be grateful
"From the first on scene - ambulance crew, police and neighbours to the whole emergency then major trauma teams at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow and Raigmore Hospital followed up by GPs & nurses locally."
Rowena continued to thank social services for helping support the family and the Highland Council, who helped to organise temporary accommodation when they left hospital. The family are currently receiving ongoing support from psychologists and schools who are "keeping a close, caring eye on the kids".
Local police officers also helped Rowena access their belongings after the incident and she has been touched by welcoming neighbours, the wider community and prayers from around the world.
The mum-of-four said she was also able to furnish their new home thanks to an outpouring of support from the local community, with just under £28,000 raised for the family.
She added: "And massively huge thanks to every member of my family who have all given up their lives for months in order to help us."
MacDonald was committed for further examination and remanded in custody when he made no plea at Inverness Sheriff Court in August. His next appearance is to be confirmed.
- Rowena has been receiving ongoing support from Scotland Women's Aid who can be contacted 24-hours a day on 0800 027 1234 or helpline@sdafmh.org.uk
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