Drink-driving Highland teen crashed into a works van just two months after passing his test

A Highland teenager who had just passed his driving test two months before he crashed into a works van had been drinking with friends prior to the collision.

Fergus Sherlock (18) of Dunachton Road, Kincraig got behind the wheel of his car on August 2, 2024 and collided with the vehicle at the Granish Junction between the A95 and A9 at 4.20am as he overtook another car.

Police who were called to the scene breathalysed the young motorist which proved positive and a subsequent test showed he had an alcohol level of 51mcg – the legal limit is 22mcg.

Yesterday (November 26) at Inverness Sheriff Court he admitted drink-driving and driving carelessly. He was disqualified from driving for one year and fined £480.

Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald was told that Sherlock was a first-year Herriot-Watt University student, who is currently studying international business.

His defence solicitor John MacColl said: “He has no previous convictions and is a first offender. He was out with friends the night before and considered himself to be alright to drive. He had not had a drink for several hours.

“He is a young man with a bright future and this has been a salutary lesson for him."

Sheriff Macdonald told Sherlock: "You are a young driver and this is why people should not drink and drive. Their judgement is impaired. The accident could have been more serious than it was."