They say that riches can either be a blessing or a curse. For most people, the idea of becoming incredibly rich overnight seems like a blessing. However, for some Scottish lottery winners, it turned out to be a tragedy.
Below are some lottery winners who tasted the allure and intoxicating appeal of riches, but it turned around and destroyed them. We are not sharing these stories to discourage you from playing lotto games. On the contrary, they prove that anyone can win the lottery. But, what you do with it is equally as important.
Jane Park from Edinburgh
One of our Scottish lottery winners is Jane Park from Edinburgh that won £1 million in the EuroMillions lottery. She was the youngest EuroMillions winner in the UK. Winning the lottery could have meant a secure future for her, but that was not the case. Instead, she quit her job and, thousands went on cosmetic surgery.
What’s more, she also got a boyfriend whom she paid £60,000 a year to date. The cosmetic surgery ruined her life, she said, and the hired boyfriend was not much better. Winning the lottery was not a blessing for this Scottish lottery winner.
John Roberts from Edinburgh
This Scottish winner is also from Edinburgh and, he won a jackpot of £3.1 million. However, after buying houses, cars and went on luxury holidays, he went broke. He sent from grass to grace and straight back to grass again. The reports were that he had to depend on family and friends to survive after he blew his big win.
Scottish lottery winners Colin and Chris Weir
Colin and Chris Weir are a legend in the Scottish lottery winner’s hall of fame. Or, they would be, if there was one. In 2011, the couple won the EuroMillions jackpot of £161 million and, it immediately changed their lives. They were all over the media and got instant fame. They spend a lot of their winnings on new homes for themselves and their grown children and clear personal debts.
However, they did not just spend their big win on themselves. A lot of the money went on charity work. In 2013, they set up the Weir Charitable Trust that supported different charities. These include animal welfare, sport, recreational facilities, health and culture. The Weirs did a lot of good with their big win. Sadly, it seemed to affect their personal lives as well.
In 2019, the couple announced their divorce after over 30 years of marriage. Not long after the divorce, Colin passed away from a short illness at the age of 71. What remained of the jackpot money at the time of Colin’s death was £40 million. He signed this over to his ex-wife and children.
Lessons from these lottery winners
There are lots of lessons to learn from these lottery winners.
- You can win the lottery. It’s important to believe because there is no point in playing lotto games if you don’t believe.
- If you believe that you can win the lottery, then make plans for what you will do with your big win. That way, you won’t be taken by surprise when you do win.
- Don’t get carried away by your new riches. Indeed, riches can change a person so, you need to remain grounded. Be careful not to let your status change who you are.
Remember to invest wisely. Money is fleeting and it can be gone in a second. So, once you win the lottery drink your champagne and then look for help. Get in touch with a reputable investment banker or advisor.
