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Body 'lay for more than a year' Man's body 'had lain for a year'
(30 minutes later)
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.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, an ex-serviceman from Easter Ross, was found at his home in Milton of Kildary 14 months after his death, the Scottish Parliament heard.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.
Local MSP Jamie Stone claimed housing and health authorities had failed in their responsibilities.Local MSP Jamie Stone claimed housing and health authorities had failed in their responsibilities.
Alex Salmond said all the facts of the case were not yet clear.Alex Salmond said all the facts of the case were not yet clear.
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.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.
It is understood the 72-year-old had been terminally ill.It is understood the 72-year-old had been terminally ill.
It raises serious questions that must be addressed in that manner Alex SalmondFirst ministerIt 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.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?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?""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."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".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.
It added that concerns raised by one of its housing officers had led to police being called.It added that concerns raised by one of its housing officers had led to police being called.
Police investigation
A spokesman said: "The police's enquiries led to the discovery of Mr Hunter's body in his home.
"Albyn Housing Society Ltd has provided the information that the police have requested about Mr Hunter and his tenancy.
"Albyn Housing Society Ltd will continue to provide what help it can to the police with their investigation into the death of Mr Hunter."
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.A report on the case will be submitted to the procurator fiscal, Northern Constabulary said.