NORMAN Maciver revealed he received a personal letter and a bottle of whisky from Prince Charles while he was in hospital.

The heir to the throne said he was "incredibly sorry" to discover the Clutha survivor was "still battling to recover" more than two months after the tragedy.

In the letter The Prince of Wales spoke of a recent visit to the Royal Infirmary and talked up the "special and dedicated" staff.

Signing the letter 'Charles', the prince added: "I pray you will soon be allowed to go home but, in the meantime, I enclose a small gift of 'medicine' to aid the healing process."

Mr Maciver was still a fortnight away from being discharged when the special delivery arrived.

He said: "The nurses told me a big parcel had arrived from Buckingham Palace and I thought it was a wind up at first.

"At that I time I was really wanting out. I was getting desperate. I couldn't sleep. I was in the ward with 10 others. It was hard to relax.

"So, I was elated when it arrived.

"It was just amazing that he would take time to do that.

"The letter was very personal and gave me lift."