Ex Brora Rangers player banned over drink-driving offence
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A former Brora Rangers player who has played for six other Highland League clubs was shown the red card by a sheriff and banned from driving for a year.
Fort William Striker Scott Graham, of Borlum, Drumnadrochit – who previously featured for Clachnacuddin, Nairn County, Strathspey Thistle, Buckie Thistle and Forres Mechanics as well as Brora, appeared from custody at Inverness Sheriff Court on Tuesday.
Sheriff Sara Matheson was told that police staged a look-out for the 34-year-old after an anonymous tip-off that the married father-of-one had been drinking before getting behind the wheel.
Fiscal depute Robert Weir said that Graham was stopped in his vehicle on October 4 between the Blar Mhor roundabout and the B8006 junction to Fort William and he co-operated fully.
"He admitted that he had had a few drinks." Mr Weir added.
Graham pleaded guilty to drink-driving with a reading of 79mcgs of alcohol when the limit is 22mcgs.
Mr Weir said that Graham had another similar case pending from earlier in the year. It is expected to go to trial in March next year.
Defence solicitor Marc Dickson said his client was a fish farm worker in the Fort William area and had travelled to meet up with work-mates.
"He was invited to a barbecue and drinks but can't explain why he decided to return home to Drumnadrochit rather than stay where he was. It was an ill-judged decision which he bitterly regrets," the lawyer said.
Graham was also fined £300 and allowed to participate in a drink-driver rehabilitation scheme which will earn him a three-month discount from his ban if he successfully completes it.
