Aberdeenshire grandad returns home following Dubai trespass charge

Ian MacKellar was charged with trespass after a row with neighbours on New Year's Eve.

Author: Vanessa WalkerPublished 13th Feb 2024
Last updated 13th Feb 2024

An Aberdeenshire man charged with trespass in Dubai and has returned home to Scotland.

Ian MacKellar was not allowed to leave the UAE following a row with his daughter's neighbours on New Year's Eve after asking for their music to be turned down.

The 75-year-old was babysitting his granddaughter at the time during a trip to visit his daughter.

His wife, Carol MacKellar, previously spoke of how her husband could be facing two years in prison if he was found guilty.

Last week, he was given a £650 fine and his travel ban was lifted.

On returning to Glasgow airport on Tuesday, he said he hasn't been deterred from returning to the country and plans to return "very soon" to visit family.

He said: "I wouldn't discourage people from going to Dubai.

"I found - as Carol said - the police were pretty sympathetic towards me."

Ian and Carol reunite at the airport.

Last month, Carol expressed her worry of Ian potentially facing jail in the UAE stressing he "wouldn't survive that".

Today, she welcomed him at the airport before returning to their home in Newtonhill in Aberdeenshire.

Mr MacKellar continued: "We've been married 49 years - together 53.

"Four children - we lost one - and she has been a fantastic mother.

"11 out of 10 if I could give her that. Fantastic wife and grandmother."