Anders and Anne Holch Povlsen thank those who offered condolences after three of their children were killed

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

The Povlsen family have thanked the public for their condolences after they lost three of their four “beloved and beautiful” children in the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka.

Anders and Anne Holch Povlsen, who own an estimated 80,000 hectares (200,000 acres) in the Scottish Highlands, said the many words of comfort they had received since the attacks last month had touched their hearts.

Alma, 15, Agnes, 12, and five-year-old Alfred were among 253 people killed in a series of explosions targeting churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. Their youngest daughter, Astrid, 10, survived.

'The end of the story of my daughter, my wife': the victims of the Sri Lanka attacks Read more

In an open letter placed as a full-page advert in the Press and Journal and Scotsman newspapers, the Danish couple sent their love and “deepest appreciation” to those who had sent them messages of support.

Beginning the letter with a “thank you”, Mr and Mrs Holch Povlsen wrote: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the condolences, sympathy and many warming thoughts we have received following the tragic loss of our three beloved and beautiful children; Alfred, Agnes, and Alma.

“The Scottish Highlands has granted us abiding, special memories for our family. It is for this reason that the many words of comfort have fortified us and touched our hearts.”

They sent their thoughts and condolences to the other families who lost loved ones in the attacks.

They added: “In the immense sadness, we are genuinely grateful that we remain united with our daughter, Astrid. The loving memory of our three children, their wonderful spirit and souls will always be in our hearts.”

The letter carries the initials of the three children who died and an image of three floating feathers.

Mr Holch Povlsen – Denmark’s wealthiest man – has a net worth of £6.1bn ($7.9bn), according to Forbes.

He owns the international clothing chain Bestseller and is the biggest single shareholder in the fashion retailer Asos.

He and his wife have acquired several Highland estates over the years, including Glenfeshie in the Cairngorms, Strathmore in Sutherland and Braeroy in Fort William.

They set up the company Wildland in 2007 with the aim of restoring and conserving landscapes for future generations.