A motorcyclist has been banned from the road for two years after travelling at nearly 130mph on a rural road in Deeside.

Earlier this month Stephen Reid, 44, admitted speeding on the B9077 South Deeside Road at 127mph and sentencing was deferred for reports. The speed limit on the road is 60mph.

Reid, of Duncan Road, Tarland, was close to Nether Balfour at the time of the offence on April 27.

Procurator fiscal depute Ann MacDonald told Stonehaven Sheriff Court that Reid had been spotted by police at around 7am.

"Police were carrying out speed checks and saw the accused’s vehicle overtaking several cars,” she said.

 "Weather conditions were dry but cold and the road surface was worn but in reasonable condition. Traffic was light to moderate with some commuter traffic.”

His defence agent, Denis Daun, said Reid was travelling to work at the time of the offence.

He added that Reid had not realised the speed he was travelling at and was “shocked” when he was told.

Sheriff Peter Hammond said: “The speed which was recorded on the day in question was a very high speed.

"It was a grossly irresponsible way of travelling by bike on a country road."

As well as banning Reid from the roads he was ordered to carry out 180 hours of work in the community.

Road safety manager at Grampian Police, Leslie Harrold, said: "It's absolutely crazy to be travelling at more than double the speed limit on a public road - it's just madness.

"The majority of motorcyclists are normal sensible riders and it’s the small minority that do these silly acts. We’re encouraging bikers to ride within legal speed limits and safely.

"If they had been travelling at 60mph it would take them 73 metres to stop and if you’re doing double that the stopping distances would be at least doubled."