An Invergordon man whose previous biggest raffle prize was a box of sweets has been named the first ever People’s Postcode Lottery millionaire.
Colin Watson was already quids in after being told he had won a minimum of £12,356 – his share of a £1million fund on offer to players in his neighbourhood.
When his name was announced as the sole winner of the second prize pot – giving him a cool million all to himself – he was overjoyed.
The 66-year-old, who is managing director at MF Marine Operations in the town, said he was stunned by his good fortune.
He said: “I cannot believe this, I am so shocked, I have never won anything like this in my life before.
“The most I have won is a box of sweets in a raffle, so this is just amazing.”
Mr Watson, who plays with four tickets in the lottery, which shares out £2million pound to the winning postcode every month, had spent the previous day at the Loopallu Festival.
After hearing that players in the IV18 area were winners, he returned home to find out how much he had won.
When the main prize was revealed by narrowing it down to a specific postcode – in his case 1V18 0JP – he realised he was the only winner.
“I have just about taken it in now, but it is hard to believe what has happened,” he said.
“I will be celebrating – you better believe it.
“It is still too early to say what I am going to do with the money, but some of it will go towards looking after my family, it will be put to good use.
“I signed up to play the postcode lottery to support local charities in my own area, as you can see it is making a difference on your own doorstep,” he added.
Another local winner was John Brenan, 68, who decided against a trip to the Ryder Cup golf tournament at Gleneagles in favour of attending the draw at Kincraig Castle Hotel, in Invergordon.
The choice turned out to be a good move as he won a gleaming new BMW car to add to his prize cheque of £6,178.
Among the charities which have benefited from the players’ good fortune are Maggie’s Cancer Centres, Riding for the Disabled Association, and Scottish Wildlife Trust.
The presenter at Saturday’s event, Judie McCourt, said: “I would like to wish our first ever postcode millionaire, Colin, a massive congratulations. It has been a fantastic day here in Invergordon”