A third of drivers were aged 41 or over, officers said

A total of 566 motorists were detained in the first three weeks of the Scottish Festive Road Safety Campaign - 11 fewer than in 2003.

Many offenders were older, with a third aged 41 and over.

One man, stopped in the Cumbernauld area on Christmas Eve with three children aboard, was four times over the legal limit.

Lothian and Borders Police Assistant Chief Constable Charles Michie said it was welcome news that the number of drivers arrested had dropped.

However, he added: "Any drop in the number of drink drivers arrested is welcome, although the fact that more than a third of them were aged 40 and over is very disappointing.

Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcohol is a social taboo Charles Michie Lothian and Borders Police

"We highlighted this problem after the first week of the campaign but it appears some people are not matching their maturity with social responsibility.

"Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcohol is a social taboo.

"There will be many parties over the coming days for the Hogmanay celebrations. Let's welcome 2005 with a commitment to make our roads safer."

Other notable offenders have included a driver in Fife who was caught driving the wrong way up a one-way street while over the drink drive limit.

Also in Fife, a woman learner driver who was being supervised by a man was over the limit.