THE millionaire backers of the Yes campaign met up with Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the 2014 Homecoming Burns Supper at Ayr racecourse on Saturday evening.

Colin and Chris Weir, who scooped £161 million on the EuroMillions jackpot in July 2011, gave the pro-independence group £1m towards its first seven months of operation.

A star studded line up of singers and speakers entertained almost 600 guests, with a rendition of Tam O'Shanter by Ayr-born comedian Karen Dunbar.

First Minister Alex Salmond proposed the Immortal Memory while former fastest man in the world George McNeill performed the Toast to the Lassies and BBC newsreader Sally Magnusson gave the reply.

The Weirs from Largs, Ayrshire, have gained a reputation for generosity to deserving causes since winning Europe's largest ever jackpot in July 2011. They launched The Weir Foundation last year with a £5m endowment. Former nurse Chris and television cameraman Colin want to boost health, sport and culture.

They helped refurbish the facilities at the National Sports Training Centre in their hometown as well as the ground of Largs Thistle junior football club.