Church organist drove to Weem Parish Church drunk to water the plants A church organist was told he should be "ashamed and embarrassed" after he admitted driving drunk to water the plants at the parish church. Ian Caskie, 70, claimed he drove to the church because he felt pressure to carry out his duties despite his wife being seriously ill in hospital. Perth Sheriff Court was told on Friday that he was found watering the plants after police received a report he had been drink-driving in the area. Fiscal depute Jim Eodanable said: "Officers were on duty at 7.50 pm when they received a call to attend the church. They did and found the accused. He was walking around watering the plants at Weem Parish Church. He co-operated fully and was courteous. He said he had obligations to maintain the plants. The officers smelled alcohol. The vehicle was parked next to the church and he was watering the plants. Caskie, from Aberfeldy, admitted driving on the B846 between Aberfeldy and Weem on 13 July while he was more than twice the legal limit. Solicitor Erica Watson, defending, said: "He gets a small fee for playing the organ in the church. He lives in Aberfeldy and does have active involvement in the church in Weem. She said Caskie, who is due to give October's monthly reading at the church, would be able to get a lift from other members of the congregation while he is banned. The court was told his wife had been taken into hospital five days before the incident and he had been drinking at home to cope with the situation. Ms Watson said: "He doesn't normally drink, but due to the stress he is under he had some whisky in the house. Having visited his wife he felt pressurised to go about his normal duties and water the plants at the church - hence his presence there. Sheriff Robert Fife said: "It's obviously very disappointing to have a man of your age before the court and I'm sure you are embarrassed and ashamed at your actions - particularly when it will not fit in with your work with the church. You were well over twice the limit. You had a high reading and I have to reflect that in the sentence. Caskie has been banned for 18 months and fined £300.