A DUNFERMLINE man has been fined £1,200 for a “racist rant” at a council office.

William McIntyre, 56, of Spynie Place, appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

The background to the incident was a neighbour dispute and a perceived lack of action by Fife Council.

McIntyre was previously found guilty of a charge that on September 7, at Fife Council, Edgar Street, Dunfermline and elsewhere, he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting and swearing, uttered racially offensive remarks and made threats. And that the offence was racially-aggravated.

Defence solicitor David Bell said: “He was frustrated at the lack of action by the council.

“He otherwise has a pro-social lifestyle and this could be seen as an isolated incident.”

Sheriff Charles MacNair told McIntyre: “This was a significant racist rant in relation to your neighbour.”