Elizabeth Wolff, 69, from Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, lodged a claim for damages after her husband William, 66, died from mesothelioma in March 2007.

Diagnosed with the terminal disease just one year into his retirement, William Wolff died seven months later.

Contractor Weir Construction Ltd admitted to being negligent in exposing Wolff to the deadly airborne fibres while he was employed by the construction firm, according to personal injury lawyers familiar with the case.

The judge granted the widow £258,520, including £65,000 for the suffering her husband experienced.

Wolff’s three daughters were also given compensation awards for £52,317, with an additional £7,084 being awarded to the single granddaughter of the couple.