Some residents in the Ardersier, Smithton, Culloden and Balloch area – with postcodes beginning IV2 7 – have scooped a share of the £1,108,000 belter, which is the lotto's biggest pay out so far.

One street could receive the lion's share of the pot, but it's being kept a close secret by the organisers, who would only say yesterday (Wednesday) that the prizes were "substantial".

A party has been organised at 2pm on Sunday at Balloch Primary School. Cash in the Attic presenter Angus Purden will be there to deliver the good news and hand out the winning cheques to residents.

One of the winners is Helen Gourdie, from Station Drive, Ardersier. She told the Highland News: "I thought I was going to have a heart attack when the lady from the lottery phoned me. I can't believe it. I'm not a lucky person. I can't even win a raffle."

Mrs Gourdie (58), whose husband Gordon works for a local engineering firm, added: "I don't have a clue how much I've won. I won't know until Sunday. I wish I did know because it would take away my headache.

"I have five sons and 14 grandchildren and if it's a lot of money my bairns will all be looked after."

Kevin Fraser, from Smithton, will also pick up a prize.

"I am totally lost for words. I am completely shocked," he said.

A spokeswoman for the lottery was unwilling to confirm how big the prizes would be.

But she added: "Some of the awards will be huge. A certain number of players will be receiving substantial sums of money and there are section winners who receive less."

Lotto presenter Angus Purden said: "Inverness is such a beautiful part of the country with so many People's Postcode Lottery players."

The Inverness party is the second held in Scotland, after lucky Kinross residents won £1 million on St Andrew's Day last year.

And Angus is inviting everyone to join in the celebrations.

He added: "It is completely free and will be lots of fun with entertainment and ice cream for the kids."

Despite providing the football pitch venue for the party, Balloch Primary's head teacher Christine Scott admitted she was in the dark as to who had won the bumper cash prizes.

"I really have no idea," she told the Highland News. "All I know is that the school has not bought any tickets!

"It is a real mystery."

David McGrath, vice-chair of Smithton and Culloden Community Council, reacted to news of the windfall with delight.

"It's fantastic news but I haven't seen anyone dancing in the street yet," he said. "There are a lot of people in this area who could do with that kind of cash at the moment.

"Many people are living well beyond their means and are mortgaged to their eyeballs."

Mr McGrath, who lives in Galloway Drive, Culloden, said it was the first he had heard about the jackpot coming to the area.

"Obviously someone is going to be very happy."

It was also news to Balloch Hall convener Karen Halkett, who said her venue was unavailable on Sunday due to another event.

"Sadly I do not have a postcode lottery ticket," she said. "A lot of people will be kicking themselves when they hear this."

The lottery is played on a subscription basis and has given £1.7 million to Scottish charities including Maggie's Centres, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Children 1st and Missing People.

o.bell@highland-news.co.uk d.wilson@highland-news.co.uk

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---