£161m Colin Weir – Britain’s biggest lotto winner – dies at the age of 71
SCOTTISH EuroMillions winner Colin Weir has died at the age of 71 following a ‘short illness’.
The father of two, from Largs, Ayrshire, scooped £161million in 2011 with his then wife Christine – making them the UK’s biggest ever winners.
His death was confirmed last night by his lawyer, who said: ‘It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Colin Weir early today after a short illness.
‘We would ask for privacy for his family and friends at this distressing time.
‘No further comment will be made other than to offer sincere thanks to the staff of University Hospital Ayr for their care and compassion.’
Mr and Mrs Weir, 62, were granted a divorce during the summer after 38 years of marriage. They had two children together, Carly, 32, and Jamie, 30.
Mr Weir was best known for his support for the SNP and his love of Partick Thistle Football Club.
Last month he secured a majority stake in the Glasgow club in a seven-figure deal – and promised to give the 55 per cent shareholding to a fan group by March of next year.
Mr Weir also helped the Jags to set up the Thistle Weir Youth Academy and a section of the club’s Firhill Stadium was named the Colin Weir Stand.
Paul Goodwin, co-founder of the Thistle For Ever fan club, said: ‘We are hugely indebted for all he has done for Partick Thistle. This is incredibly sad news and our thoughts are with his family and friends.’ Partick
Thistle FC said: ‘It is with deep sadness we confirm that lifelong Jags fan Colin Weir passed away.
‘On behalf of everyone at Partick Thistle, our love, thoughts and prayers are with the family and close friends of Colin at this difficult time.’
The club’s interim director, Alan Caldwell, said: ‘Such sad news about Colin Weir. Thoughts with his family and friends.’
Mr Weir, a former STV cameraman, also made a donation to a community football club in his home town of Largs after setting up the Weir Charitable Trust in 2013 with his wife. Largs Thistle FC thanked Mr Weir for his services to the club, saying: ‘We are very sad to hear about the passing of Colin Weir.
‘Colin gave back to the club he supported for many years by the installation of our 3G pitch in 2012. RIP Colin.’ The Weirs were known as keen supporters of independence and donated around £1million to the Yes Scotland campaign ahead of the 2014 referendum. The couple also made substantial donations to the SNP. Constitutional Relations Minister Michael Russell posted a tribute to Mr Weir on Twitter, writing: ‘Sad to see this – remember him very kindly.’
Mr and Mrs Weir, a retired psychiatric nurse, had both been forced to give up work early and had nursed each other through years of ill health before they became the 22nd richest people in Scotland thanks to their £161,653,000 win.
They were the biggest lottery winners in the UK up until October of this year, when an anonymous ticket holder won £170,221,000. Overnight, the Weirs entered the Sunday Times Rich List above Beatle Ringo Starr and Sir Tom Jones – but shunned a lavish lifestyle and went on holiday to Brighton.
They later moved out of their three-bedroom home – which they gave to a young mother – in 2011 and into Knock House, an £850,000 mansion in 23 acres of gardens and woodland.
It was sold in 2016 to an overseas trust in a £1.4million deal.
Their generosity included giving £102,000 to the National Sports Training Centre Inverclyde and £50,000 sponsorship for Lee Craigmile to attend the Florence Academy of Art.