The body of a pensioner lay undiscovered in his home for more than a year.

William Hunter's remains were found in his home in Milton of Kildary, Easter Ross, earlier this month.

Local MSP Jamie Stone told Parliament today that the 72-year-old had died 14 months ago.

His badly decomposed remains were found when his landlord, Albyn Housing Society, asked for police help to gain access to his property.

"The grim event raises issues which will deeply concern us all," said the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MSP during First Minister's Questions.

"It sends out a terrifying message to the elderly and to the terminally ill living alone in our communities."

He asked Mr Salmond: "In a civilised, technologically advanced society, how is it possible for a housing association and the NHS to fail to follow up the disappearance of 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 he sympathised with the family of the ex-serviceman.

"The story raises serious questions," he said.

"It's too early to make a definitive comment, but remember in terms of the weaknesses that may or may not have been part of the housing association or the NHS, there's an independent regulator who will look into these matters.

"We won't hesitate to involve him if necessary."