James Skinsale

Colonel James Skinsale was a MP in the early 20th century. He was on a boat trip with Lord Palmerdale and Palmerdale's secretary, Adelaide Lessage. The yacht crashed onto Fang Rock and they climbed ashore, where they met The Fourth Doctor and Leela.

On the island there was a Rutan. The Rutan killed Colonel Skinsale as its final victim.

He was being blackmailed by Palmerdale,who knew a secret that, if made public, would have ruined him. Skinsale was so determined to keep his secret, he sabotaged the telegraph, the only communication to the mainland.