Biker caught doing record speed

Purves has since sold his Suzuki motorcycle, the court heard

A motorcyclist has been banned from the roads after being caught doing what is thought to be the fastest speed ever recorded on a Scottish road.

Hairdresser Neil Purves was detected by police as he travelled at 166mph on a 60mph stretch of the A702 near West Linton in the Scottish Borders.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving when he appeared at Peebles Sheriff Court.

Sentence was deferred for background reports.

The court was told Purves, 27, from Cockburnspath, Berwickshire, was clocked by police on the Dolphinton straight stretch of the road on 13 May.

The speed of 166mph leaves most of us speechless and he is deeply ashamed Graham Walker Defence lawyer

Fiscal depute Morag McLintock said: "We believe this is the highest speed that the police have ever recorded in Scotland.

"A police speed check was taking place when officers were alerted by a high pitched whine from the motorcycle's engine."

Purves has since sold his Suzuki GSX-R 1000 motorcycle, the court heard.

Defence lawyer Graham Walker said: "The speed of 166mph leaves most of us speechless and he is deeply ashamed.

"He undertook an advanced motorcycle training course after this incident but later decided to just sell his bike."

'Background facts'

Sheriff Neil Mackinnon disqualified Purves on an interim basis until sentencing takes place on 28 October.

He said: "This is an extremely high speed and we should know all the background facts."

Purves, who works at a salon in Edinburgh, was accompanied in court by his parents.