Scottish lottery winner Colin Weir spent half of his $100 million fortune in just eight years before his death in 2019. Weir, from North Ayrshire, Scotland, won one of the largest EuroMillions jackpots, totaling $257.6 million. New documents reveal how he used his winnings.
Weir, a former cameraman and father of two, spent around $131,000 a week during the last eight years of his life. By the time he passed away at age 71, he had invested in various ventures, including a $12,400 stake in Irn-Bru and $25,000 in Greggs.
Generous with his wealth, Weir shared around $50 million with friends and family and donated significant amounts to charity. He also became a major supporter of Glasgow’s Partick Thistle Football Club, purchasing a 55 percent share as a lifelong fan.
In addition to his investments, Weir donated a five-figure sum to help a young boy with cancer get a prosthetic leg. He also contributed $3.1 million to the Thistle Weir Youth Academy and had a section of Firhill Stadium named after him.
Weir spent millions on property, including a $6 million home he renovated and a $1.36 million seafront house in Ayr, where he lived after divorcing his wife, Chris, in 2018. He gave her ownership of Frognal House, a $4.4 million mansion near Troon, after their separation.
Weir’s passion for horses also led him to purchase three thoroughbreds, including an Irish mare named If You Say Run. He was involved in Scottish politics, donating millions to the SNP party and supporting the pro-independence campaign.
In December 2019, Weir passed away suddenly due to sepsis and kidney complications. His will revealed that he had furniture, jewelry, and artwork valued at $263,000, along with four cars and a petty cash box for emergencies.
Despite the ups and downs, Colin Weir’s life shows how one of the UK’s biggest lottery winners spent and shared his fortune during his final years.