Following more than three decades behind bars, notorious killer Thomas McCulloch was finally released from prison at 8am on Tuesday morning.
The triple axe murderer was driven away from Castle Huntly open prison in Longforgan near Dundee in a red Citroen.
McCulloch was a passenger in the car, which was driven by an unknown male.
The 65-year-old left the jail after a parole board approved his release. It is understood he has gone to the home of a female friend.
McCulloch murdered three men during a bloody break-out from Carstairs State Hospital with Dundee killer Robert Mone in 1976.
Hospital worker Neil McLellan, 46, and patient Iain Simpson were struck down by McCulloch with an axe.
McCulloch used the weapon to hack off Mr Simpson’s ears during the infamous break-out.
After making it over the perimeter fence, the duo also killed PC George Taylor, 27. While on the run, the pair maimed two workmen and held a family hostage.
McCulloch was initially sent to Carstairs State Mental Hospital in 1970 after attempting to kill two hotel workers over a row about a sandwich.
Despite initially being told he would die in jail, the killer used human rights laws to secure a fixed sentence of 30 years, after which he was free to apply for parole.
For full coverage and reaction to McCulloch’s release, see Wednesday’s Courier or try our digital edition.