Tycoon for trial

A tycoon is to face trial accused of drunkenly smashing windows with a hammer at a farmhouse on his country estate.

Euan Snowie, whose family made a fortune disposing of dead animals during the 2001 foot and mouth crisis, appeared from custody at Stirling Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

He was arrested on Monday following the alleged incident on Saturday (March 18) at the detached dwelling where his wife Claire now lives separately from him on Boquhan Estate, near Kippen.

Snowie, 49, who resides in the estate’s multi-million pound mansion, Boquhan House, is alleged to have attended while intoxicated at Mains of Boquhan Farmhouse, grabbed a hammer, and struck and damaged the windows with the tool, causing damage to them.

It is alleged his behaviour was threatening or abusive - and likely to cause a reasonable person fear or alarm.

Solicitor-advocate Neil Hay, defending, tendered a not guilty plea on his client’s behalf.

Sheriff Christopher Shead set summary trial for May 15, after a preliminary hearing on May 2.

He released Snowie on bail, with special conditions that he does not approach Claire, who is also 49.

He was also ordered to communicate with her only by telephone or electronically, and solely in relation to their business affairs or to the welfare of their children.