Mr Kennedy drove in the wrong direction on the M8

James Kennedy, 80, pleaded guilty at Paisley Sheriff Court to dangerous driving. He said had become confused while trying to exit Glasgow Airport.

Mr Kennedy, from Alloa, had been driving for more than 40 years without any previous blemish on his record.

But on returning from holiday in March he took the wrong sliproad and drove east on the M8's westbound carriageway.

Extended test

The court was told that police in an unmarked car had to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

Mr Kennedy travelled for three miles in the fast lane before he managed to carry out a three-point turn and pull onto the hard shoulder.

Sheriff Bill Dunlop told the pensioner that he was due some credit for his previously clean driving record.

He banned Mr Kennedy from driving for 12 months and said he would have to sit the extended test of competence to drive if he wished to gain his licence back.