The rabbit is believed to have escaped unscathed

Chris Ballance, transport spokesman for the party, met the bemused bunny on the A701 as he drove to the Scottish Parliament from his home in Galloway.

The politician, who represents the South of Scotland region, said his quick thinking saved the rabbit's life as he swerved to avoid the stunned animal.

But his car went into a skid and ploughed into a nearby crash barrier.

The vehicle was written off and Mr Ballance, who was unhurt, has since paid over �1,400 to replace it.

The keen environmentalist has warned that the next rabbit to cross his path might not be so lucky.

'Bunnies beware'

Mr Ballance said: "It was a rather wet night, and a rabbit ran out in front of me, I braked to avoid it, realised that wasn't enough, and swerved.

"The car just spun round and clipped a crash barrier, and it just underlined how easy it is for an accident to happen."

He added: "As I drove off, I could see the rabbit in the wing mirror. He was scratching his ear.