The Scottish couple who won Europe’s largest-ever jackpot prize, a cool £161 million on the EuroMillions lottery, are to fund a campaign for Scottish independence.
Colin and Chris Weir have reportedly pledged a ‘seven-figure donation’ to the campaign.
Mr Weir, 64, is a lifelong supporter of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and was inspired to make his donation after Scotland’s First Minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond wrote to congratulate him on his win.
Mr Salmond wrote: “When I heard the fantastic news that a Scot had landed the EuroMillions jackpot, I did wonder if this was the same Colin Weir who helped produce SNP party political broadcasts for a young party publicity vice-convener all those years ago.”
He ended the letter by writing: “Yours for Scotland, Alex.”
Since receiving the letter, Mr Weir and Mr Salmond have met with each other and the winner has spoken to other senior party figures.
A party source said: “There is no doubt Colin is committed to the cause of independence and he even has a life membership with the SNP.
“Since he received a congratulatory letter from the First Minister, they have met each other and there have been conversations with other senior party figures.
“Colin is committed to giving a substantial seven-figure donation towards the referendum campaign in the run-up to the vote in the second half of the Parliament – he wants to help the party make a difference.”
The donation from Mr and Mrs Weir is expected to be the SNP’s largest-ever cash injection.
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