Grandad arrives home after Dubai conviction

An Aberdeenshire grandfather has said it is "great to be back in Scotland" after arriving home following a conviction in the United Arab Emirates.

Ian Mackellar was charged with trespassing and verbal assault after he complained to neighbours in Dubai about music noise on Hogmanay.

The 75-year-old from Newtonhill had faced a possible jail sentence over the charges but was fined instead and allowed to leave the country.

His wife Carol greeted him with a hug at Glasgow Airport and said it was "delightful" to be reunited with her husband.

Mr Mackellar added that he intended to celebrate his return home by getting a fish supper.

The couple had been visiting their daughter and granddaughter for the New Year when the row with neighbours broke out.

Under Dubai laws, trespassing is punishable by jail time and Mr Mackellar said that he had been "despairing at times" while waiting for news in Dubai.

He was told last week he was being fined £650 after an expedited ruling was issued by the Dubai One Day Court.

Ian Mackellar plans to celebrate with fish and chips

He added: I'm so glad to be back. It was a surprise as I wasn't expecting it [the verdict being announced]. I had gone into the police station to see the prosecutor and two-and-a-half hours later I was still there.

"When the judge said he would give the sentence in 20 minutes I was locked in a room and I was a wee bit panicky at that point. When the chap came through and said it was a fine I was so relieved."

Mr Mackellar turned 75 while in Dubai.

His wife had previously told BBC Scotland News of her worries for her husband's health.

She said: "I was really fearful that he was going to be put to prison. It would have been a terrible birthday present for him, that's for sure!"

Mr Mackellar said that his wife had "come up trumps" for him and been "fantastic" with her support for him.

The couple also thanked the human rights advocate Radha Stirling, who runs the Detained in Dubai group, for her assistance, as well as the media for their support.

Mr Mackellar added that despite his experience he wouldn't discourage people from travelling to Dubai, and said that local police there had treated him well and been "very sympathetic" to his situation.