A FORMER alcohol-awareness worker has admitted getting behind the wheel while almost five times the legal drink drive limit.

Eileen McArthur, who was previously a high-profile officer for Focus on Alcohol Angus in the Highlands, faces a driving ban after she pled guilty to the offence at Forfar Sheriff Court.

McArthur, 47, was stopped by police on August 19 last year and tests revealed she had an alcohol count of 171 microgrammes. The legal limit is 35.

She also admitted driving, or attempting to drive, in Glamis on September 9 while unfit through drink or drugs.

The former civil servant spent a number of years in the senior planning officer's role for Angus Council's Focus on Alcohol Angus scheme, established in 2006 to help tackle personal, family and social issues associated with the use of alcohol.

She was also involved in highlighting Angus projects at national events and conferences and spearheaded several local initiatives but is no longer a local authority employee.

She is due to return to the court for sentencing on February 27. Anti-alcohol campaigners said the alcohol reading returned by McArthur was very high.

Carole Whittingham, of the Campaign Against Drink Driving, said: "She must have consumed a considerable amount of alcohol to register that. It's certainly not just one for the road."