The Sports Grounds and Sporting Events (Designation) (Scotland) Order 2010 is to be laid before the Scottish Parliament – subject to the negative resolution procedure and has the effect of designating the home grounds of Turriff United FC (The Haughs); Formartine United FC (North Lodge Park) and Strathspey Thistle FC (Seafield Park) for the purposes of Part II of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995. Part II imposes certain restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol at designated grounds for designated sporting events.

This long overdue measure follows the clubs’ promotion to the Scottish Highland Football League for “reasons of public order and safety”. A sledgehammer for your nut, sir?