A north man at the forefront of a fight for justice for victims of a blood infection scandal has welcomed extra financial support but insists the campaign continues.
Hundreds of people given infected NHS blood in Scotland have received top-up payouts.
A total of 11 patients infected with both HIV and hepatitis C via contaminated blood have received a £50,000 lump sum, while 330 have been given one-off top-up payments of £30,000.
Annual payments to 138 others have risen to either £27,000 or £37,000 depending on the stage of their illness.
About 3,000 Scots are thought to have contracted either hepatitis C or HIV, or both, through infected blood products between the 1970s and the early ’90s in a UK-wide scandal linked to US donations involving paid donors.
The Scottish Government pledged earlier this year that victims would receive increased lump sums and annual payments.
Support in Scotland including annual payments for widows and widowers whose partners died as a result of infection is due to begin in April.
Fortrose-based Bruce Norval, who contracted hepatitis C as a result of contamination, helped negotiate the payments.
He said: “I’m grateful. This has made a massive difference to individuals. I’ve spoken to a number who, for the first time, were able to enjoy themselves over Christmas without worrying about money.
“We understand the Scottish Government didn’t have much control over the first payments. But we have significant concerns about its readiness to take up full responsibility in April. We need to ensure the widows don’t get left behind.”
Scottish Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “We’ve worked hard to deliver increased payments despite delays in getting the new arrangements agreed with the UK Government and the existing schemes.
“We’re committed to doing all we can to help the people affected by this terrible chapter in the history of our health service.”