By Sandra Gray

THE CHAIRMAN of the local community council yesterday appeared in court charged with attempting to sabotage Perthshire’s Etape cycle race.

Alexander Grosset (62), of Bridge of Gaur, Rannoch, is charged with culpably and recklessly placing tacks on the surface of a public road, which was being used as a closed-road cycle event.

It is alleged he showed complete disregard for the safety of the competitors and pedestrians, causing damage to the bicycles, emergency service vehicles and other associated vehicles.

Grosset appeared in private before Sheriff Michael Fletcher at Perth, and made no plea or declaration. The case was continued for further examination and he was released on bail.

Hundreds of cyclists from an international field of more than 3000 were left with punctures at the Etape Caledonia event on Sunday.

The 81-mile race starts and finishes in Pitlochry.

Grosset, a church elder, is the chairman of Rannoch and Tummel Community Council.