Chennai Six Scot Billy Irving arrives back in the UK after India weapons conviction overturned

THE first of the Chennai Six has arrived back in the UK, more than four years after the group of former British soldiers was jailed in India on weapons charges.

Billy Irving touched down at Glasgow Airport on Wednesday morning.

He and five other British men had been guards on a ship to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean but they were jailed in October 2013 after being charged with carrying unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

After years of campaigning, they won an appeal against their convictions last week and were given permission to leave India.

The other five men – Nick Dunn, John Armstrong, Nicholas Simpson, Ray Tindall and Paul Towers – are expected to arrive in the UK on Thursday.

Mr Irving, from Argyll and Bute, said he wanted to send a “massive thank you” to everyone who has supported the men during their time in India.

He told reporters at the airport: “I just want to thank everyone, they’ve been so kind. Thank you for your support, thank you so much. It feels excellent to be home.”

Mr Irving was hugged in the airport arrivals hall by family members who had made signs reading “Welcome home Billy”.

Two pipers played outside the terminal to welcome the 37-year-old, who had cut his hair and beard since the most recent pictures of him in India last week.

He stopped briefly to speak to the media and express his thanks to supporters of the campaign for his release.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said earlier: “It is wonderful news that the men are returning to the UK.

“The Foreign Office has worked unstintingly on this case, lobbying on the men’s behalf, visiting them in prison, updating their families, and maintaining close contact with their legal team.

“I pay tribute to those who have campaigned for the men, who will be delighted to see them return home after being separated for so long.”