I believe John Macrae to be a good and devout man, who did not deserve to be burdened with such noxious progeny.”
-- James Galbraith (Statements paragraph 9)

Importance: Galbraith's statements demonstrate that the community's views are quite split regarding Roddy Macrae.

I am writing this a the behest of my advocate, Mr. Andrew Sinclair, who since my incarceration here in Inverness has treated me with a degree of civility I in no way deserve. My life has been short and of little consequence.
-- Roddy Macrae (The Account of Roderick Macrae paragraph 1)

Importance: The above statement is used against Roddy in the trial, as it implies that Roddy realizes that he committed a crime.

Roderick Macrae is as wicked an individual as one could ever have the misfortune to meet. Even as a small boy there was a mean spirit about him, such as one would not credit in a child.
-- Peter Mackenzie (Statements paragraph 11)

Importance: Peter Mackenzie's words show that there is a consensus among the Mackenzie's (except for Flora...