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Body 'lay for more than a year' Body 'lay for more than a year'
(20 minutes later)
The body of a pensioner may have lain undiscovered in his home for more than a year. The case of a pensioner whose body may have lain undiscovered at his home for more than a year has raised "serious questions", the first minister said.
William Hunter's remains were found when his landlord, Albyn Housing Society, asked for police help to gain access to his bungalow in Easter Ross. William Hunter, an ex-serviceman from Easter Ross, was found at his home in Milton of Kildary 14 months after his death, the Scottish Parliament heard.
It is understood the 72-year-old, who lived in Milton of Kildary, had been suffering from a terminal illness. Local MSP Jamie Stone claimed housing and health authorities had failed in their responsibilities.
Northern Constabulary said a body was found on 8 February. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal. Alex Salmond said all the facts of the case were not yet clear.
Highlands Liberal Democrat MSP Jamie Stone raised the case in the Scottish Parliament. Mr Hunter's remains were found on 8 February when his landlord, Albyn Housing Society, asked for police help to gain access to his bungalow.
In response, First Minister Alex Salmond said the matter raised "serious questions" that had to be addressed. It is understood the 72-year-old had been terminally ill.
It raises serious questions that must be addressed in that manner Alex SalmondFirst minister
Raising the case during question time at Holyrood, Mr Stone - the MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross - said the case sent out a "terrifying message" to the elderly and the terminally ill living alone.
The Liberal Democrat asked the first minister: "In a civilised and technologically-advanced society, how is it possible for a housing association and the NHS to fail to follow up the disappearance of a terminally ill man?
"How is it possible that it takes more than a year for people to start asking the right questions?"
Mr Salmond said it was too early to make a definitive comment, but told MSPs: "In terms of the weaknesses which may or may not be the part of the housing association or the NHS, there's an independent regulator who will look into these matters."
He added: "It raises serious questions that must be addressed in that manner".
Albyn Housing Society said its staff had tried to contact Mr Hunter on a number of occasions over several months.Albyn Housing Society said its staff had tried to contact Mr Hunter on a number of occasions over several months.
Concerns raised by one its housing officers led to police being called. It added that concerns raised by one of its housing officers had led to police being called.
Neighbours in his street, which is made up of terraced houses, assumed he was in hospital when he was not seen locally.Neighbours in his street, which is made up of terraced houses, assumed he was in hospital when he was not seen locally.
A report on the case will be submitted to the procurator fiscal, Northern Constabulary said.