A former Angus alcohol project figurehead has admitted getting behind the wheel while almost five times the legal limit.
Eileen McArthur’s count is one of the highest ever seen in an Angus court and was described by a leading national drink-driving campaigner as a “huge” reading.
McArthur was previously the high-profile senior officer of Focus on Alcohol Angus and has now been banned from the road after she admitted two drink-related motoring charges which took place in the space of just three weeks last year.
The 47-year-old was not present at Forfar Sheriff Court on Tuesday when her solicitor Bob Bruce tendered a guilty plea to a charge of driving on Lentlands Road, Forfar, and on other roads between Forfar and Glamis, on August 19 with an alcohol count of 171 microgrammes. The legal limit is 35.
McArthur also pled guilty to driving, or attempting to drive, on Main Street, Glamis, on September 9 while unfit through drink or drugs.
Sheriff Kevin Veal deferred sentence on McArthur, of Main Street, Glamis, until February 27 for social work reports to be obtained. He imposed an interim driving disqualification on the accused.
McArthur spent a number of years in the senior planning officer’s role for Angus Council’s Focus on Alcohol Angus scheme, established in October 2006 as part of the Angus Alcohol and Drugs Partnership to help tackle personal, family and social issues associated with the use of alcohol.
In addition to spearheading a range of initiatives, she was involved in highlighting pioneering Angus projects at national level events and conferences.
A spokesman for Angus Council confirmed that McArthur is no longer employed by the authority.
Carole Whittingham of the Campaign Against Drinking and Driving said the reading for the index offence was a “very high figure”, adding: “I have heard of five-and-a-half times over the limit but I’ve certainly not heard of that level for a female driver.
“She must have consumed a considerable amount of alcohol to register that. It’s not just one for the road.”
Mrs Whittingham whose son Steven was killed in 1992 by a teenage driver high on drink and drugs welcomed the interim ban imposed by the sheriff and said she hoped McArthur would receive the support required to deal with the problems which had brought her before the court.
“She could have killed somebody so easily, and once you have done that your life and so many other lives are changed forever.
“Given her previous interest in helping other people with alcohol problems, I assume that when she does go for sentence the court will take into account that she herself does need help.”