The Ayrshire-born tycoon is the richest Scottish national with a fortune of �500m, according to the Sunday Times rich list.

And he wants to donate a fifth of his money to his own charitable institution The Hunter Foundation.

The charity's aim is to help children with their education and sharpen their enterprise skills in particular.

The cash gift - the biggest in Scottish history - will be used to promote enterprise education in primary schools in Scotland.

Richest woman

Mr Hunter told the paper: "Some people wait until they die to hand on their legacy, but the whole point of dying a very wealthy man must be wrong."

First Minister Jack McConnell applauded the donation.

He said: "I welcome this announcement. I share Tom Hunter's commitment to developing ambition and skills in children."

Scotland's second richest national on the list is Irvine Laidlaw, Banffshire born but now living in Monaco.

He has amassed a fortune of �499m after giving a million to disadvantaged youth in Scotland.