Former South of Scotland MSP attends court over drink-driving allegations

Author: Nick Forbes, Press Association ScotlandPublished 3rd Jun 2026

A former South of Scotland MSP has attended court over allegations he caused multiple crashes in central Edinburgh while over the drink-drive limit.

Colin Smyth - who gave an address in the capital - is alleged to have driven dangerously on the city’s High Street and elsewhere on November 2nd last year, while at more than double the legal alcohol limit.

It is alleged that after mounting a pavement he narrowly missed a pedestrian and collided with a parked car, while driving at excessive speed.

It is also alleged the 53-year-old crashed into electric bollards directly outside City Chambers, and that he repeatedly got in and out of the vehicle, and revved the engine.

The former Labour MSP is also accused of failing to report the incident to police “as soon as reasonably practicable”.

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Smyth arrived at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday dressed in a dark blue suit and green patterned tie.

However he did not attend the hearing itself, and his solicitor appeared in court on his behalf.

Smyth is next ordained to appear on July 1st.

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