Major police presence remains in West Highland after "terrible incident"

One man died and three other people were injured following attacks across Skye and Lochalsh.

Police presence at Dornie yesterday
Author: Liam RossPublished 11th Aug 2022
Last updated 11th Aug 2022

Highland communities remain in shock today after armed attacks left one dead and three injured.

A 39-year-old has been arrested in connection with yesterday's incidents which took place in the Teangue and Tarskavaig areas in Skye with another in Dornie.

Two of the incidents involved a firearm being discharged.

One Skye man has said it was a "very sad day" with local MP Ian Blackford saying it has "shocked the place to its core"

Police say there will be a significant presence of officers in the areas affected over the coming days.

Thoughts with "local families" involved

Portree resident John Gordon says all of Skye and Lochalsh have been rocked by yesterday's events.

He said: "It’s been a very sad day for Skye and Lochalsh and the whole community is feeling a sense of a heavy heart.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families involved in this terrible incident today.

"They are all local families who are well liked, well known, well respected and as a community we stand with them.

"We saw the very best of Police Scotland and the other emergency services.

"They responded quickly and effectively, they came across West very quickly.

"We all owe a huge gratitude and have huge respect for how all the emergency services handled today’s incident."

Incidents "shocked the place to its core"

Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP Ian Blackford said it will take "some time" for the area to recover.

He said: "These tend to be very safe communities.

"We don’t have a lot of crime in these areas, that’s one of the attractions of living in these areas.

"I think for people to hear the news today of the incidents taken place in three separate locations, I think it has really shocked the place to its core.

"It has shocked people that this kind of thing could happen, but of course, why would these areas be immune to the kind of things that we often read about in other places?

"It’s going to take some time for these communities to recover from this and it’s really important we make sure all the support is there for the families.

"We’ve seen the emergency services do a fantastic job, whether that’s been the police, NHS, ambulance service and Highland Council who of course have got some responsibility for wellbeing.

"I thank everybody that’s rallied round on what’s been a difficult day.

"This has put the area in the news for all the wrong reasons."

'Significant impact' on community

Police Scotland say the Major Investigation Team is leading enquiries into the incidents, supporting local officers.

Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett, local policing commander for Highlands and Islands Division, said: “Incidents such as this are thankfully extremely rare but I understand that this will have a significant effect on the local community in these rural areas.

“I would like to reassure people that we are treating these incidents as contained with no wider threat to the public.

“There will a significant police presence in the area over the coming days and we will be working with partners to provide support to the local community. I would like to thank people for their co-operation as our investigation progresses.

“Anyone who believes they may have any information which could help our enquiries is asked to call 101, quoting reference 0713 of 10 August, 2022"

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